Pastor Oliver Louis Wilder Jr. was born on July 11, 1956 in Eustis, Fla. He was born to the proud parents, Oliver Louis Wilder Sr. and Mildred Wilder. He passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Oliver attended Miami Northwestern High School. On May 26, 2015, Pastor Wilder received his associate degree in Theology. He gave his life to Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost on January 22, 1994. He was ordained as a minister in May of 1998, and he was ordained as an Elder on November 28, 1999. After living in Miami, Linda and Oliver moved to North Carolina. On January 15, 2000, Elder Wilder made the first mortgage payment on the building that is now Stand Outreach Ministries. He made the last payment on December 22, 2014. He was an amazing Pastor that always answered any call. He would show up at anytime and anyplace for anyone. He was a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy. He lived his life for God, and he epitomized and embodied Christian values and ethics. He never conformed to the masses or waivered in the Word of God. He stood firm on God’s Word and believed his promises. He was a pillar in the community of South Statesville. He was also the proud business owner of Complete Home Repair, which specialized in remodeling homes. He was a hard worker and spent his spare time fishing and traveling with his “girlfriend.” Oliver met his girlfriend Linda in 1975 and they married in 1992. From their blended union, they were parents to 10 wonderful children.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Wilder; his parents, Oliver and Mildred Wilder; his brother, Kilup Freney; a son, Eric Williams; and nephew, Zion Syncere Wilder.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Oliver Wilder III, Shanrhonda (Lamont) Barber, Donny J. Wilder Sr., Michael (Tinea) Frederick, Kermitt (Jasmine) Pearsall, Tiana (Larry) Wilder, Christopher Pearsall, Hope (Christopher) Baucom, and Airieal (Segwick) Wright; his siblings, Diane Thomas, John Vincent (Ayana) Wilder, Lajeune Walker, Donnell (Meria) Wilder, Yolanda (Reggie) Sessions, Darrell (Johnnie Mae) Wilder, and Lisa Wilder; over 20 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 12 noon at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont, Statesville, NC. Bishop James Jackson will be officiating the service. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the church. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.
Visit the Book of Memories for Pastor Wilder at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Wilder family.