Alfred Thurston Jolly

Mr. Alfred Thurston Jolly, 74, of New Bern passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29 at his home. He was born October 11, 1949 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bern, NC, a son of the late Gabe Forrest Jolly and Mary Louise Cook Jolly. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by many.

Mr. Jolly was a distinguished veteran of the United States Army, who started his military career repairing generators but moved to the position of door gunner on the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (known as the “Huey”.) Mr. Jolly served two tours in Vietnam and saved countless lives in the course of his duty. Considered a hero by many, Mr. Jolly felt he was just doing his job and performing the duties that his position required, and that no praise was necessary.

A surfer, sailor and lover of the ocean, Mr. Jolly worked for Clark Boat Company in New Bern, a company that specialized in building sailboats. He then worked at Hatteras Yachts in New Bern as a master craftsman for more than 30 years, using his exceptional woodworking talent to create beautifully appointed interiors for the well-known yacht brand. After retiring from Hatteras, Mr. Jolly enjoyed riding motorcycles and sailing, and became a member of the Pamlico County Honor Guard, a position that was very dear to his heart.

Mr. Jolly is survived by a daughter, Tina Jolly Harlow (Michael), a grandson, Andy Harlow (Kali), all of Statesboro, GA; a granddaughter, Tiffany Whaley (Jesse), and a great-granddaughter, Harlow Avery Whaley, of Portal, GA; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Jolly of New Bern; two nieces, Letha Michele Roberts of Georgetown, SC and Ashleigh Nicole Jolly of Boise, ID; and a nephew, Edward Jesse Shelters (Angela) of Grifton. A lifelong lover of animals, he also leaves behind three dearly loved dogs, Scooter, Skeeter and Bella. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, John Wilbur Jolly, Gabe Forrest Jolly, Jr., and James Michael Jolly and one sister, Mary Carol Jolly Lafferty.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Jolly will be held Monday, April 1, 2024 at 2 p.m at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern with Chaplain Doug Harr officiating. Viewing and visitation will be held following the service. A private family graveside will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or local animal rescues.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jolly family.