Russell Eugene Oiler

Russell “Rusty” Eugene Oiler, 83, of Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, surrounded by family. Born June 17, 1941, in Louisville, KY, Rusty was the son of the late Ona Kathryn Oiler and Garland Perry Oiler, who taught him to live a humble, hard-working, and generous life in Jesus’ name. Rusty is survived by the love of his life, Margaret Cone Oiler of Savannah, GA. In addition, he leaves behind for his faithful younger siblings: Nancy Kathryn McCandless (Evans) of St. Louis, MO, and James Garland Oiler (Luana) of Louisville, KY. Furthermore, he leaves behind his four daughters, each carrying his mischievous blue eyes: Jennifer Ann Grumer (Greg) of PA, Kristen Oiler Hodges (Andrew) of NC, Erin Patricia Farrell (Brendan) of VA, and Heather Elizabeth Ashley Oiler of FL. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Irvin Sylvester Shoup (Chelsea) of PA, and stepdaughter, Patrice Spivey Cowart (Richard) of GA. Left with many tall tales to share, Rusty’s fishing buddies remain including 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He had a full life. Most importantly, Rusty sought Jesus’ forgiveness and shared it, praying others would do the same, while humbly noting he was a work in progress. During his youth, Rusty was taught carpentry by picking up nails on his dad’s construction sites, which became a lifelong passion. He learned to live life like his mom, who believed in “eating dessert first". Rusty was President of the Beta Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity at the University of Louisville. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, he was first employed by GE, which led to his career as a plant manager for various companies. In retirement, Rusty served his family, friends, and community behind the scenes: making meals for retreats and Bible studies, helping college students move, teaching math to anyone who would listen, and tutoring many as a result. He also led youth groups, cooked blueberry pancakes for reunions, and built furniture for friends and family. At family reunions, he crafted birdhouses and wooden toys with the younger generation and made thousands of wooden toys delivered by missionaries around the world. The family welcomes you to attend Rusty’s Celebration of Life Service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Silk Hope Baptist Church, 4929 Pineland Dr., Savannah, GA 31405, officiated by David Allgire. Family will receive friends immediately after the service. Rusty’s ashes will be buried at a private tree dedication ceremony in Virginia.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Christmas Child at drop-off sites around the country through Thanksgiving or online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org in his memory. Rusty filled many shoeboxes with Margaret, including his handmade wooden toys, scripture, and tools, all packed with love.