Jimmy Reliford age 62, born 12/21/1950, died 8/10/2013 Adair County, Columbia, Kentucky

Jimmy Reliford, aka “Oilman”  was a generous supporter of North Carolina and Tennessee Checkers. - NCCA

The sad word of the passing of Jimmy Reliford earlier today has reached us. He was bigger than life, a giant figure in South Central Kentucky and yet, one of the most down to earth, modest individuals one could ever meet. "He was genuine, generous, honest - the real thing.  His passing will, no doubt, dominate conversations for many days. He was our great friend. He was my friend. I've been honored to know him, as I know all who knew him feel." - Larry Smith, FM 92.7 the WAVE and FM 99.9 FM, the Big Dawg


courier-journal.com  &  Kentucky.com      

Colorful Kentucky oilman Jimmy Reliford, a star of the Discovery Channel’s “Backyard Oil,” died Saturday, according to the Adair County coroner.

The show’s website described Reliford, of Columbia, as “as a good-hearted man who loves to gamble” and said in his spare time he collected $500 bills and played high-stakes checkers.

The reality show also said he was one of few who had survived for more than 30 years in Kentucky’s oil business.

Coroner Todd Akin said nothing appeared suspicious about the death, though he said the cause won’t be available for several weeks.

Deputy Coroner David Taylor said the family would make a formal announcement later but the cause appeared to be natural. He said only that there was an ambulance run to Reliford’s home Saturday morning.

A cousin, Anita Kassem, said word spread quickly across the small southern Kentucky town.

“He will be well remembered,” she said.

Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087 and on Twitter @gregoryahall.  Published 8/11/2013


Jimmy Reliford, Adair County, KY (1950-2013)

He was a member of a distinguished Adair County, KY family. He was the son of the late Stanley & Steller Loy Reliford. He was the owner of Jimmy Reliford Drilling Company in the Sparksville community of Adair County. He leaves three direct living descendants. He was one of the stars of the Discovery Channel television series Backyard Oil

Click on headline for complete obituary with photo(s) For links on the show, click on Backyard Oil

Jimmy Reliford, age 62 years of Columbia, KY, passed away Saturday August 10, 2013 at his residence. Funeral service Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 1pmCT/2pmET, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY. Eulogies will be delivered by Dr. Phil Aaron, Craig Higgins and Bro. Bobby Withers. Visitation will be after 12pm noonCT/1pmET, Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.


Pallbearers: Craig Higgins, Frankie Reliford, Daniel Loy, Larry Reliford, Ricky Coomer, Terry Keltner, Clifton Curry, Tommy Phelps, Robert Flowers and Anthony Hale.

Honorary Pallbearers: Freddy Gibson and Jobe Darnell.

Jimmy Reliford, Adair County, KY (1950-2013)

He was born Satirday, December 21, 1950 in Adair County, KY. He was the son of the late Stanley & Steller Loy Reliford. He died Saturday, August 10, 2013, in Columbia, Adair County, KY, at the age of 62 years, 7 months, and 21 days.

He is survived by the following:

  • One son: Anthony Reliford and his wife Ashley of Columbia, KY
     
  • One daughter: Amanda Reliford of Columbia, KY
     
  • Sister: Charlene Sneed of Columbia, KY
     
  • One grandson: Jimmy Anthony Reliford II
     
  • And several other relatives and friends

Jimmy was the owner of Jimmy Reliford Drilling Company in the Sparksville community of Adair County. He was one of the stars of the Discovery Channel television series Backyard Oil.

You may light a candle, sign guest book and share condolences at Stotts-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY.

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY in charge of arrangements.


This story was posted on 2013-08-11 13:57:24
 



Grandpa Jimmy holding grandson: Jimmy Anthony Reliford II
2013-08-11 - 210 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY - Photo from Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home
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Jimmy Reliford, Adair County, KY (1950-2013)


published in May 24, 2015

Photo Archives from ColumbiaMagazine.com. Click here for more photos.

Memorial Day memory: Jimmy Reliford (1950-2013)

2015-05-24 - Antioch Cemetery, 3422 Wheeler Hill Road, Columbia, KY - Photo Jr. Stotts.


Jr. Stotts sent this photo of the grave marker of his lifetime Breeding KY buddy, Jimmy Reliford, in the scenic Antioch Cemetery. Stotts feels this weekend should be more about honoring those they have known and loved, than it is about celebrating a holiday. See related Jimmy Reliford, Adair County, KY (1950-2013)
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This article in the Columbia Magazine was forwarded by Bobby Rice to Albert Tucker who forwarded it to me 5/25/2015 with this comment, "Albert, I have no idea how they did this,  but thought it might interest you.  Gladys and I went to the cemetery where her grandparents were buried, and it's the same cemetery where Jimmy was buried. The whole front face of his gravestone is like a photo of him and one of his drilling rigs."  

Here is a Find a Grave Memorial (link) Jimmy Reliford...  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=115351405


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