Fred N Jolly

Rev. Fred N. Jolly (Grandaddy) died May 11, 2012 at Juliette Fowler Homes, Dallas, Texas. Born April 8, 1926 in Okalona, Mississippi, he was the son of Lillian E. (Freeman) and Joseph L. Jolly. One of ten children, Fred served in the United States Navy in World War II in the submarine service. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in October 1947. He married Maxine Foy from Union, Mississippi in November 1949. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College in 1952 and his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957. Rev. Jolly served as a pastor at various churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, doing pioneer mission work for over 30 years. He received the Genesis award for being dedicated to mentoring young pastors in Pennsylvania. Being a church planter was his passion, never wanting anyone to go without having an opportunity to hear God’s Word. John 3:16 was his favorite Bible verse and one he often used to share the Gospel with many.

He was a devoted husband, selfless father, and loving grandfather. He was an example of Christ’s patience and compassion. His strong faith in the Lord drove his love for his family and those to whom he ministered. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Frances Stewart, Yvonne Rye and Laverne Webber; brothers, Merrill Jolly, Charles Jolly, Joseph Jolly and Donald Jolly; and grandson, Matthew Jolly. He is survived by his wife of 63 years; daughters, Ladye Doyle and Lilly Adrian; sons, Harry Jolly, Jim Jolly and his wife Karen, and John Jolly and his wife Janet; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Joanne Herbert and Marguerite Hammett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mission Dignity, 2401 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75201 (www.missiondignitysbc.org) in Fred’s name, to take care of other retired ministers or their widows. “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday at Grove Hill with a visitation from 6-8pm on Sunday evening also at the Grove Hill Funeral Home.