Raymond Andrew Jolley, 86, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Baptist DeSoto in Southaven, Ms. He was born in Spring Creek, TN on January 11, 1938 to Blake and Edith Jolley.
Raymond honorably served his country in the United States Army, where he was drafted and became a vital part of First Strike Communications. After his military service, he dedicated 38 years to Western Electric, also known as AT&T, before retiring. Raymond worked part time for 15 years for the DeSoto Civic Center which is now known as Landers Center. He worked in Guest Services and his section was always section 101.
A true pillar of his community, Raymond played a significant role in founding the Walls Volunteer Fire Department and established the 301 Recreational Area for youth sports. Raymond was deeply involved in local high school football, often seen on the sidelines carrying the chains during Horn Lake High School football games, where his passion for the sport shone brightly.
Raymond was also an avid baseball card collector, amassing a collection of thousands of signed cards, which he cherished deeply. His passion for baseball extended to being a season ticket holder for the Memphis Redbirds, and he was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, UT Football, Baltimore Orioles, and Baltimore Colts. Raymond had a special fondness for Disney, often taking the entire family on week-long trips filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. They visited countless times, creating cherished memories, along with plenty of pictures to show for it.
A faithful member of Minor Memorial United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Raymond was known for being the first to make coffee each Sunday. He loved the Lord and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel through his actions and words.
Raymond’s generous spirit, commitment to his community, and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Blake and Edith Jolley, and four siblings: Blake Jolley, Jr., James “Jake” Jolley, Pauline Cotton, and Peggy Smith.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Ann Jolley; two children, James Blake Jolley (Janet), Charles Ronald Jolley (Sherry), and his sister-in-law, Dale Jolley. Raymond also leaves behind six grandchildren: Andrew Jolley, Blake Jolley (Kayla), Courtney Jolley, Jonathan Jolley, Owen Jolley, and Darla Bonner, and a great granddaughter, Sloane Jolley.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at Minor Memorial United Methodist Church, 6120 Goodman Rd Walls, Ms 38680. Burial will be on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at West Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walls Volunteer Fire Department or Minor Memorial United Methodist Church “AV Booth”.
