Bobby Donald Jolly

Amory – Bobby Donald Jolly, 81, died on Friday, July 4, 2014, at his residence. Born on May 9, 1933, in Okolona, he was a son of the late Edd T. and Mary Marchbanks Jolly.

Mr. Jolly honorably served his Country in the US Navy during the Korean War. He married Jean Stegall on June 23, 1956. After jointly owning and operating a service station with his brother, George, he served as a MS Highway Patrolman until his retirement. After retiring, he made a second career in real estate. Bobby Jolly was never lukewarm about anything. He loved what he loved, passionately and sometimes fiercely. His family. His home. His Country. He loved fishing, hunting, dogs, guns, and cars. He loved catfish and hushpuppies, fresh Gulf Coast shrimp, and fresh vegetables from the garden. He loved going to the Smokies with his wife, brother and sister-in-law. He loved Gospel music and singing as a family from the hymnbook. He loved making a good trade – and was known to trade a house or a car as easily as some might trade a gun or a dog. He loved college football. Politics. Collecting artifacts. Good conversation. He loved order, and working with his hands. He loved Louis L ‘Amor novels and westerns. He loved to tell stories – many from his days as a highway patrolman – and the famous "bear story" beloved by nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

After losing his daughter, Karen, in 1981, he discovered anew the love of Christ and spent the rest of his life learning to walk in His ways. He attended church faithfully, was ordained as a Baptist deacon, visited the sick and shut in, and led devotions at nursing homes. He loved his church family and received abundantly their love and support. He loved his wife and family sacrificially, putting her care and their well-being before his own comfort and consolation.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Jolly, Amory; daughter, Tracey Taylor (Claude), Bridgeton, NJ; sister, Faye Wiley, Pascagoula; grandchildren, Mary Katherine and Jasper Taylor, Bridgeton, NJ; and nieces and nephews, George Davis Jolly (Ann), West Point; Bonnie Sisk (Joe Allen), Shannon; Sherrye Henson (Bill), Pontotoc; Dean Wiley (Debbie), Jerry Wiley (Harriet) and Debbie Tew (Allen), of Vancleave; Susie Womack (Richard), Gautier; Alan Wiley (Susan) Pascagoula; Jeff Jolly (Elaine), Mt. Juliet, TN; Craig Jolly, Hermitage, TN; Elizabeth Castle (Guy), Itta Bena; and John Favara (Lisa), Jackson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Minnie J. Barnett and Ruth J. Prewett; brothers, George and Edd Jolly; and daughter, Karen Jolly.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, July 12 at East Amory Baptist Church with Bro. Roger Akers officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be George Davis Jolly; Dean, Jerry, and Alan Wiley; Craig Jolly; and John Favara. Honorary pallbearer will be Terry Hall.

Visitation will be from 6 – 8 PM, Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Jolly will lie-in-state at the church from 10 AM until the service hour on Saturday.

Memorials may be given to East Amory Baptist Church, 905 Hatley Rd, Amory, MS 38821; French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.