Ralph Oliver
Ralph Oliver has been a devoted member of River of Life for 20 years, where he has faithfully served as a church elder for 18 of those years. He is married to his wife, Etta Jo, and together they have raised three children—sons James and Wesley Oliver, and daughter Wendy Paterson. Their family has grown to include seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons, who bring joy and blessing to their lives.
Ralph’s professional career was spent as a forester with St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, he is a licensed and ordained minister and a graduate of Holmes Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology. Over the years, he has pastored six churches across Florida, faithfully shepherding God’s people.
His ministry involvement has been wide-ranging, from teaching Bible classes and serving on the visitation and welcome committees, to prison ministry in Franklin County. He has also been active in missions, serving in Mexico for several years alongside River of Life, and ministering internationally in Africa, Jamaica, and Haiti.
Outside of ministry, Ralph enjoys camping, traveling, and farming. He especially loves working the land—growing hay and sugar cane and making syrup.
Ralph’s favorite verse is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse reflects his lifelong commitment to living fully for Christ.