Oliver G. “Tim” Locher was called home to his Lord and Savior on 29 November 2022 at the age of 83.
Tim was born on 29 June 1939 to Oliver Glenn and Lela Barbara Locher in Bluffton, Ohio. The family moved to South Florida where Tim and his sister, Nan, attended Lake Worth High School. It was there that Tim enjoyed football and basketball. More importantly, Lake Worth is where God blessed him with the love of his life, Karen Thoureen.
After graduating high school in 1957, Tim accepted an appointment at the Naval Preparatory School and in 1958 reported to the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1962. While at Annapolis, Tim played on the varsity football team and developed a love for the Mighty Goat.
Receiving his naval aviator wings in 1964, Tim flew the E-2 Hawkeye before transitioning to a career in civil aviation where he flew for National, Pan American, and Delta Airlines.
Tim and Karen were able to return to South Florida and raise their family in Hollywood, FL. While a member of Sheridan Hills Baptist Church, God began to utilize him in a more public way. Whether flying his commercial airline flights, serving as a Hollywood City Commissioner, Florida Southern Baptist Convention President, or on the International Mission Board, Tim strived to use his position to share the message of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In 1999 they moved to Hendersonville, NC enabling them to be closer to family. Their lives centered around serving at First Baptist Church.
Tim is survived by Karen, his wife of 60 years; their children Gregg Locher (Ann) and Jill Jackson (Mark); grandchildren Lauren Rucker (Ben), John Jackson (Hunter), Kelly Shotwell (Jason), Hannah Locher, Garrett Locher (Delaney), James Jackson; and great-granddaughter Emery Jackson. Tim is also survived by his sister Nan Locher Rountree.
A Memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on 23 December 2022 at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 am.
Memorial donations may be directed to International Mission Board (www.imb.org/give) or Four Seasons Hospice (www.fourseasonscare.org).