Jack Neal Jolly, 96, of Stoneville, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family and his loyal companion, Arya.
Jack was born in Robeson County on December 12, 1928, to the late Fentrice Neal and Frances Hayes Jolly. He was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church and proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 9 years and was mobilized during the Berlin Crisis and was also an Atomic Veteran having served in Operation HARDTAC. He graduated from North Carolina State University, played football, and graduated as a Textile Engineer. He was an engineer in the textile industry where his worked spanned for 60 years. He worked at Monsanto, Madison Throwing, MacField, Burlington Industries, Shiloh Textiles, and Unifi.
Jack loved people and always enjoyed socializing. He was the oldest living member of Deep Springs Country Club, a member of the Madison-Mayodan Rotary Club, and a member of the Gioia dell’Amore Wine Club where he was presented a wine named in his honor called “Jolly”. He served as Grand Marshal for the Town of Madison’s first annual Veterans Day Parade. He was a boxer, a wrestler, and an avid golfer. Jack got his 2nd hole in one at 84 years old. It was important to Jack to stay fit, always working out, and walking 4 miles a day. He loved sports, the outdoors, country music, and was a diehard Wolfpack fan.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Hall Jolly; his son, William Lee Jolly; his sister, Marion Johnson; and his brother, John Jolly.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Steve Neal Jolly (Sandra) of Cary, NC, Robert Joseph Jolly of Winston Salem, Martin Edward Jolly of Alexandria, VA, and Frances Elizabeth Jester (Scott) of Lakeville, MN; five grandchildren, Jenni Jolly Nordaby (Rich), Amelia Jester, William Jester, McKinley Jolly, and Ashley Jolly; and one great grandson, Richard Nordaby.
The family wishes to thank Jacks family, friends, and neighbors for helping make it possible for him to remain at home for so many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sandra H. Jolly Memorial Scholarship Fund, First Citizens Bank, 109 S. Franklin Street, Madison, NC 27025.
Terry Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family of Jack Jolly and all are invited to share memories or offer condolences at www.terryfuneralandcremation.com.
###
