Mr. Randy E. Oliver

Randy Oliver of Milton, GA slipped the bonds of Earth on January 26, 2023. Randy was born in 1957 to Peggy and Edward Oliver of Hot Springs, AR. From early childhood, Randy had a passion for all things aviation. Randy graduated from Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology in St. Louis and flew for several private aviation firms before moving to Atlanta to begin flying for Delta Air Lines. Captain Randy Oliver retired from Delta Air Lines in 2022. Randy enjoyed time with family and friends, astronomy, snow skiing, and riding motorcycles. Randy’s passion was aviation, and this poem written in 1941 was his favorite. High Flight By John Gillespie Magee Jr. 1941 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air .... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew— And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. Note: This poem is in the public domain.

Mr. Randy E. Oliver

April 7, 1957 - January 26, 2023