Ollie Redmon, Jr.

The Lord saw that one of his servants had fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith and on January 6th, Ollie Redmon Jr. was called home.

Ollie was born on June 26, 1940, to the late Ollie and Texanna Redmon, Sr. of Oxford, MS and was the oldest of 4 sons.

He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and later joined Salem United Methodist Church where he remained a faithful member until he was called home.

Ollie was united in holy matrimony to Marie Hutchins in 1963. They were married for 51 wonderful years and to this union four children were born. He departed this life on Thursday, January 6 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS.

Ollie was employed at the University of Mississippi for several years to support his family but had thoughts of bigger and brighter opportunities; he always had an entrepreneurial spirit and was a pioneer with no fear. Ollie managed several convenience stores in Memphis, TN while being a husband, father, and son, but managed to find study time to further enhance his retail management skills. His hard work and dedication led to him being noticed by business entrepreneurs and investors. This opened another door of opportunity which allowed him in 1970 to become the first ever Black manager of a regional grocery store, Pride Food Center, in Clarksdale, MS. He also established the first Black-owned convenience store and laundromat in Jonestown, MS.

Ollie also had a larger-than-life voice and used it as one of the lead singers with the Bright Stars Gospel Group. He later collaborated with his 3 brothers, Jimmie, Gene, and Ivory, and along with the smooth melodies of Brother Jim Brown, created The Redmond Brothers Gospel Group; the group would go on to become one of the mid-south’s favorite gospel singing groups. For 30 years, the group enjoyed traveling and spreading the gospel through song.

Ollie was always dedicated to making a difference and worked for many years as an Oxford Housing Authority Manager. He was also a very active member of the OTS Alumni Association. He loved his community and alongside his wife, Marie, was Director of Kid’s Wonderland Childcare Center for 20+ years. His involvement did not stop short of serving in several positions at Salem United Methodist Church, and also as a political candidate for Supervisor in Oxford where he fell just shy of victory but gained the respect from his successors and the community.

Ollie was a wonderful provider and protector of his family, friends, and community. He loved gardening, lots of fishing, hunting, and his automobiles. 

He was truly a loving and caring father. His memory will be cherished by his children: Ollie Fitzgerald Redmond of Oxford, MS, Renee Redmond of Memphis, TN, Pamela Redmond Butler of Acworth, GA, and Flora Dickens of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren: Kim Johnson Walker of Acworth, GA, Jack E. (Sabrina) Butler of Chicago, IL, Willis Price of Memphis, TN, Kim Price of St. Louis, MO; five great grandchildren: Kennedi Walker of Acworth, GA, Nevaeh Price and Jaelynn Jackson of Oxford, MS, Natalya Price and Osiris Price of Memphis, TN; two great-great grandchildren: Thailand and Zamir Green of Oxford, MS; two brothers: Jimmie (Freddie Bell) Redmond of Oxford, MS and Ivory (Donna) Redmond of Gulfport, MS; a daughter-in-law: Lisa Vaughn of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law: Ruby Redmond; two special cousins: Mary Graham of Dallas, TX and Antoine (Gwen) Mays of Addison, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ollie was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; sons, Ricky Bernard Redmond and Willie Edward Vaughn; and brother, Gene Redmond.