Johnnie Hayes Oliver, age 82, of Cadiz, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville.
Born on October 26, 1943, in Trigg County, he was the son of the late Robert W. Oliver and Hazel (Thomas) Oliver.
Johnnie married Joan Curling on Valentine’s Day in 1964, and they had one son, John.
After graduating from Trigg County High School in 1961, Johnnie soon went to work at Clarksville Base, also known as the Fort Campbell “Bird Cage”, a nuclear weapons storage area. He went on to have a successful career in construction, working at various military and governmental facilities from Chicago to Florida, including naval bases in Jacksonville and Key West. After traveling for many years, Johnnie brought his construction expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit back home, where he founded Builder’s Drywall in 1991. He continued to manage the business until his retirement in 2006, at which time his wife, Joan, took the helm, followed by their son, John, in 2013.
Johnnie was not only a successful businessman but also a generous community supporter, contributing to numerous charities and organizations in Trigg County. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid fisherman and a member of the Cadiz Bass Club for many years. He and Joan were also passionate collectors of American Brilliant Cut Glass, a hobby that reflected their appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, and members of the American Cut Glass Association. Johnnie had a special bond with his dog, Radar, who was his loyal companion. Their twice-daily drives to John’s farm, where Radar would happily chase the cows and chickens, were some of Johnnie’s most enjoyable times.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother R.W. “Bucky” Oliver.
Johnnie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan (Curling) Oliver; his son and daughter-in -law, John & Cathy Oliver of Cadiz; his grandchildren, John Thomas Oliver (Carla) and Rachel Perez (Roque), and great-grandchildren, Haisley & Cady Oliver and Lynnett & R.J. Perez; his brother, Lacy Oliver of Cadiz, and sisters, June Robnett of College Station, Texas and Delilah Dawson of Cadiz.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz, where the family will receive friends after 4:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Funeral services will be at Goodwin Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 9, 2026, with Bro. Greg Creekmur officiating. Burial will follow in Curling Cemetery in Canton, Kentucky.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Curling Cemetery Fund, c/o Sue Thomas, P.O. Box 402, Cadiz, KY 42211, or to the Oliver Cemetery Fund, c/o Ken Cummins, 12945 Marion Rd, Princeton, KY 42445.
