Billy Dee Jolly's Obituary
Billy Dee Jolly 06-13-1926 – 02-20-2013 Born in Abilene, TX to John Dee Jolly & Maude E. Moore Jolly. Preceded in death by Patsy his wife, his parents, and sisters. His parents were in the ministry; his mom a preacher and dad played the guitar; founding 7 churches in Texas. Bill had 3 sisters, one died an infant and he has now lost both of his other sisters Thelma Jo Legendre and Peggy Ruth Clark. He is also survived by his children Lana Young, Richard Jolly, Craig & Kathy Jolly, Ken Jolly; three granddaughters Amie Varner, Angela Jolly, and Stephanie Jolly, three grandsons Remington Jolly, Colton Jolly, and Tanner Jolly; one great-grandson Alex Varner. One sister-In-law: Dean Barnes and one brother-In-law: Barney Clark, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well many others that he claimed and treated as his own family. Bill was raised in the church; graduated from Adamson high School; he served in the U. S. Army in the Philippines. After his time in the Army he met and married Patsy Ruth Barnes, raising 4 children and ended up with 6 grand children and one great-grand son. He loved his family, sports, hunting and with an interest in antiques he also was a collector of primitives and a few other items. Bill loved to be on the go. While in the Army Bill, was a Staff Sergeant-Infantry replacement stationed in the Philippines. Date of induction was September 11, 1944. He was honorably discharged Nov 26, 1946 at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Received Marksman Rifle 10-26-1944. Battle: Southern Philippines Liberation (Luzon) Decorations and Citations Ribbons: Victory, Asiatic-Pacific, Philippine Liberation, Philippine Independence Medal: Good Conduct Stars: 2 Bronze Bars: 3 Overseas Occupation: Mail Clerk He was so proud of his kids and their accomplishments. But while raising the 4 kids he would tell Pat if the kids need punishment then handle it as needed and don’t wait for him to come home from work and have him to administer the punishment, as he had a tender heart. He was a self-employed paint contractor by trade like his father and provided for the 6 under his roof, but his dining table was always open to anyone that was hungry. He was always a jovial man of great size and strength with a big heart, always active in something. He loved sports, hunting and fishing. In earlier years he enjoyed, a lot of boating and water skiing. With his interest in antiques and collectables, he got hooked on garage sales, estate sales, and auctions. Eventually opening an antique shop. Bill passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Veterans Affairs Hospital (VA) in Dallas, He had been diagnosed with vascular dementia shortly after Patsy passed away in 2008. Bill was the eldest member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Kemp, Texas. He went home to the Lord on Wednesday February 20, 2013 Visitation Monday February 25, 2013 Restland Funeral Home Services Tuesday February 26, 2013 Memorial Chapel Restland Officiating: Denny Burris and Frank Sizemore
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