David Phillip Oliver was born on June 16, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska. His family’s military duties led them to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. Growing up in the small rural town of Long Beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he received his primary and elementary education there. After high school, Mr. Oliver enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

With the Vietnam War ongoing, Mr. Oliver registered with the Selective Service on his 18th birthday. He graduated from USM with a BS degree in Political Science in 1976. In August 1977, he pursued an ABA-accredited Law degree at Mississippi College School of Law, graduating in 1980. Following a trial period as a solo attorney, Mr. Oliver established his practice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he engaged in general law for 21 years.