Joseph Tolliver Jr.

Joseph Tolliver Jr. was born October 31, 1948 in Vicksburg, MS to the late Joseph Tolliver and Gistina Tolliver. He was baptized at age 12 by Reverend Wright Lassiter at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Always a leader, he was looked up to by his younger sister and cousins who considered him a big brother. In high school he was a star athlete. He was given the moniker “Sugar Bear” for his skills on the football field.

Joe graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School in Vicksburg, MS in 1967. He left Mississippi shortly afterwards with the desire to explore the world. He moved to Albion, MI and shortly after joined the United States Air Force in March of 1968. He served at several US locations as well as Thailand, the Philippines and Africa. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Park College in 1981. His final duty station was Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. There he achieved the highest rank of an enlisted member and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in March of 1994 having served 26 exemplary years.

Joe had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned multiple thriving business enterprises. His first business in Alaska was Trailboss Barbecue. He was widely known for his skills on the grill and his brisket was legendary. Trailboss Barbecue later evolved into Trailboss Enterprises in 1992 which currently operates in multiple locations around the world. Joe was highly successful in business and life in general. He had a brilliant mind and a photographic memory. He never stopped seeking knowledge. He always had a business or financial literacy book by his side. As a business owner he made an impact on hundreds of employees. He freely shared his knowledge to help others on their paths to success. His business motto was “Either we’re here for business or we have no business here” which he credits to a favorite high school teacher, Mrs. Ruth Dunlap.

Joe was proud of his association with Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity serving with the Delta Rho member Boule. His association with the US Small Business Association earned him the award of Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Alaska in 2000. Joe proudly served on the boards of many entities.

Joe departed this life on November 21, 2024 in Henderson, NV. He is survived by his mother Gistina Tolliver (103 years old), sister Betty Tolliver, both of MS and aunt Willie Mae Drake of IL as well as his devoted wife, Gail Dossman Tolliver of NV, loving children, son Marvin Tolliver, daughter Erica Tucker (Brandon), daughter Chari Tolliver, all of NV. He is also survived by his sons by marriage Jerron Roberts (Leanne) of HI and Jamonn Roberts (Marissa) of CA. His two granddaughters, Carter Tolliver of NV and Lauren Roberts of HI were the light of his life. They will carry on his legacy for generations to come. Also surviving him are his nephews Ernest Tolliver of MS and Josef Tolliver of GA, niece LaNeisha Tolliver of TN, great nephews and niece, Stephon Williams, Kevon Dulaney, Teriyana West, and great, great nephew Asher Wilson. His special cousins Dorothy Williams of IL and Rosemary Young of MS. His special nieces include Breauna Cook, D’Aunna Medina, Aubryaunna Medina of AZ and Darlene Cotton of NV. Through his marriage to Gail he gained a multitude of family members, including the Dossmans, Cooks, Hernandez’, Medinas, Cottons, Burdettes, Nelsons, Novellis and many others. He leaves behind a host of relatives from the Tolliver lineage and friends who were like family to remember him.

He is predeceased by his father Joseph Tolliver, Sr., seven paternal uncles and three paternal aunts (Tolliver) as well as three maternal uncles and two maternal aunts (Atkins).

A visitation will be held form 3-7pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89113.

Funeral services will begin at 11am on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Remnant Ministries, 325 E. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89123.

Committal ceremony will begin at 12pm on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Highway, Boulder City, Nevada, 89005.