William Edward Oliver, lovingly known as Billy, passed away on July 7, 2023, at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley.
Born on September 17 1954, in Kimberley, Billy lived a full and remarkable life, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy that will endure.
Billy was the beloved son of the late Eric Reginald ‘Bushy’ Oliver, a well-known figure in Kimberley, and especially Griquas rugby, who instilled in his son a love for sports and a spirit of determination. During his school years, Billy exhibited great talent in rugby, excelling as an eighthman. His athletic abilities extended beyond rugby, as he followed in his father’s footsteps and developed a passion for boxing at the tender age of 12.
Under the tutelage of his father, Bushy, a renowned boxer himself,…
