Dr. Grady B. Jolly

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Highland Church of Christ with his sons and stepsons officiating. Burial will take place on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 2 PM in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott Hamil Funeral Home.

He served with distinction in the Army Air Corps’ 8th Air Force in World War II as a B-17 pilot. He seldom mentioned his war experiences other than to say he brought his crew and aircraft safely home on each of his 36 combat missions. He was the last surviving member of that crew of brave men.

He was married to Nell McNeil Jolly from 1943 until her death in 1982. They raised four children; Randy, David, Don, and Joy and enjoyed the farm where they spent happy times with their children and their families.

In 1983 Grady married Margaret Ware. With the creation of their new expanded family, Grady amplified his role as grandfather and great grandfather to the children of Margaret’s sons Phil, Byron and Gordon. Grady and Margaret celebrated their 37th anniversary this year.

In addition to a successful optometric practice, Grady served as a deacon and elder at Highland Church of Christ. He was especially fond of visiting and encouraging those confined to the hospital and was instrumental in creating a long-lasting bus ministry that impacted the lives of countless children and their families in Abilene.

He was also actively involved with the Abilene community from serving as President of the Kiwanis club to the Meals on Wheels program.

Grady’s faith and service to the Lord Jesus Christ defined who he was. He was a man of integrity.

He adored his family. His gentle spirit brought a sense of joy and happiness in good times and bad. He was devoted to studying his Bible every day and prayed fervently, especially for their children and their families. His prayers weren’t sophisticated but were beautifully eloquent in their simplicity and sincerity.

Grady Jolly lived a life of honesty, faithfulness and kindness. He remained graceful and loving and sweet despite the ravages of old age.

He was a good man. We will miss him.