Henry Edward "Ed" Jolley, Jr.

Ed was born on August 30, 1942, to Henry E. Jolley, Sr. and Mary Frances Knowles Jolley. He graduated from Hermitage High School in 1960 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force for over 21 years, retiring in December 1982 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt). He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, earning multiple honors including the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

During his time in the Air Force, Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Following his military career, he continued his service to the community by working for the United States Postal Service, where he began in 1983 and retired in 2003.

Ed was a Master Mason, achieving the 32nd degree, and was a member of Lodge #384 as well as the Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of El Karubah Shriners.

In recent years, Ed was a resident of the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home, where he had lived for the past three and a half years. Prior to that, he resided in Bossier City, Louisiana for over four decades where he enjoyed a lifelong passion for fishing and hunting.

Ed is survived by his former wife, Diana Jolley, the mother of his children; his son Steven Jolley and wife Sarah Jolley of The Woodlands, Texas, along with their children Stella and Sutton Jolley; and his daughter, Shelby Jolley Diffie and husband Michael Diffie of Bossier City, Louisiana, along with their children Micah and Noah Diffie. Also by his grandchild Matthew LeSech of Lille, France.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Judith "Angel" Jolley; his parents, Henry E. Jolley, Sr. and Mary Frances Knowles Murray; his son, Henry Edward Jolley III “Eddie”; and his daughter, Carol Ann Jolley of Laon, France. He was also preceded in death by several siblings, including Francis Allen Jolley, Pam Smith, Candy Teeter, and Susan Chandler. He is survived by his brother, Robert Jolley, and his sister, Kathie Tucker.

Ed is also remembered by many nieces and nephews, including Karyn Jolley, Kim Jolley, Dana Moseley, Shane Chandler, and Connie Wilkerson.

Ed will be remembered for his dedication to his country, strong work ethic, and commitment to family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

Services will be held to celebrate Ed's life at 11:00 am on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in the park. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am prior to the service.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home for their compassionate care and for enriching Ed's life with purpose during his final years.