Final Salute

John P. Oliver, III, a longtime resident of Long Beach, Mississippi, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Navy veteran, engineer, and man of faith. A native of Virginia who later lived in New York, John made Long Beach his home for 41 years.

John was preceded in death by his father, John P. Oliver, Jr.; his mother, Margaret Oliver; his brother, James Oliver; his daughter, Angela Bowell; and his brother-in-law, Bob Bayer.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Charlotte Oliver; his daughters, Melissa Murdock, Jessica Oliver, and Amanda Boudreaux (Don); and sisters, Rozanne Oliver and Arlene Stetson (Phil). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Luke Murdock, Brandon Bowell (Caty), Madison Bowell, and Grace Oliver; his great-grandchildren, Luca Bowell and Archer Bowell; and nieces and many dear friends.

John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Union College in 1981 and a graduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida in 1990.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, serving in underwater construction as a Seabee. He continued serving in the Navy Reserves and was commissioned as an officer in 1981 after completing his bachelor’s degree. John served in the Civil Engineer Corps until retiring as a lieutenant in 1993. Among his most treasured assignments was service with Construction Battalion 133, where he forged enduring friendships with fellow Seabees he considered brothers. He continued to enjoy attending Seabee reunions.

His military honors included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations.

After retiring from the Navy, John co-founded QES, Inc., a materials testing company. He later assumed full responsibility for the business, continuing to build and grow the company until its sale to Southern Earth Sciences. John remained actively involved with the company as a consultant until November 2025.

John enjoyed building and organizing his workshop and spending hours woodworking. An avid reader of fiction and nonfiction, he always had a book close at hand. He was a loyal Washington Commanders and Florida Gators fan through every victory and setback, and when NASCAR was on, he could often be found watching between naps.

Having accepted Christ at an early age, John remained active in his faith throughout his life. His father was a Baptist minister, and John was a member of First Baptist Long Beach for 41 years. He also maintained an interest in professional and community organizations, including the National Rifle Association and the Home Builders Association of the Mississippi Coast.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends and neighbors who supported John through visits and prayers, and to Deaconess Home Health for the care and compassion shown to him during several periods of recovery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Long Beach Building Fund or the Navy Seabee Foundation.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 1 – 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Long Beach. A memorial service will be at 2 pm in the church.

Interment will take place in Virginia.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.