James Dennis Oliver

James Dennis Oliver, 80, of Stuttgart, Arkansas passed away at his home Monday, March 10, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dennis was born July 23, 1944, in Stuttgart to Thomas Henry Oliver, Sr. and Effie Mae Graves Oliver. He was a 1962 graduate of Stuttgart High School and retired as the Parboil Plant Manager at Riceland Foods after 46 years of service. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Stuttgart.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca Denise Oliver; and siblings Thomas Henry “Dude” Oliver, Jr., J.L. Oliver, Milton Oliver, Roger Oliver, Lucille Dorsch, Delores Synco, Mary Lou Howard, and Gloria Dickson.

Survivors are his wife of nearly 41 years, Margaret “Hobbie” Oliver; son, Dean Oliver (Genia) of Stuttgart; stepdaughter, Margo Hafner (Joe) of Jonesboro; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with another on the way.

For much of his adult life, Dennis enjoyed cars and drag racing. He was a member of the National Hot Rod Association for over 50 years and raced all over the country from one coast to the other, and even in Canada. Some of his greatest accomplishments were winning four NHRA national events, multiple divisional events, many class wins, and finishing as high as 7th place in the national points. He also set many national records over the years. But his greatest achievement came in 1990 when he won the U.S. Nationals, which is the most prestigious drag race of all.

In addition to racing, Dennis enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed trips with his wife to Eureka Springs, which were annual vacations for them.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 17, at the First Baptist Church in Stuttgart. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with the service to follow.

Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Racers for Christ, or First Baptist Church.