Thomas Edward "Ed" Jolley Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT – Thomas Edward “Ed” Jolley, Jr, 97, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024.  He was born in Rocky Mount, NC on May 15, 1927, to the late Thomas Edward Jolley and Helene Elizabeth Jolley.   He was a devoted and loving husband of sixty-four years to Betsy Gehman Jolley, who predeceased him on June 14, 2017.   He was also predeceased by his stepmother, Frances Styles Jolley.

Ed graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1945.  He was a well rounded student and played football, basketball and sang in the school chorus.  During school he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 11 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Scouting was an integral part of his youth, and he later inspired each of his grandsons, who also obtained the highly coveted Eagle rank.  After high school, at the age of seventeen, Ed enlisted in the Navy and served until July 1946.  He then continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1950.  During his college years, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  Ed enjoyed a successful career in life insurance sales, beginning with Pilot Life Insurance Company and later serving as General Agent for General American Life Insurance Company.  During his career he earned the prestigious Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and was also recognized as a Chartered Financial Consultant.  He was a member of the coveted Million Dollar Roundtable multiple years.  Ed was known for his integrity and dedication to his clients.  His commitment to community service was evident throughout his life.  He was a member and former president of the Rocky Mount Rotary Club and served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.  His love of sports continued throughout his life, coaching youth sports and attending most of his son’s and grandsons’ sporting events through his eighties.  In his leisure time, Ed enjoyed sailing, boating, fishing, golfing and following UNC sports.  He was a proud member of the Rams Club for 75 years.  Ed and Betsy had fond memories of special time spent with family and friends at Nags Head and Pine Knoll Shores.  First Methodist Church was an important part of his life as he served in many leadership positions over the years, some of which include, the Board of Trustees, the finance and columbarium committees.  Later in life, Ed enjoyed his time at the Barclay House of Tarboro (formerly the Fountains at the Albemarle) where he found joy in making new friends, including his cherished friend, Jeri McCranie.

Ed is survived by his brother David Jolley and wife Celia of Williamsburg, VA, children, Beth Jolley of Beaufort, NC, Frank Jolley and wife Kellie of Rocky Mount.  He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Alden Love (Taylor) of Greenville, SC, Edward Love of Beaufort, NC, Frank Jolley, Jr. of Rocky Mount, and Ford Jolley of Denver, CO.  He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Lily, Penelope, Maxine and Charlie Love.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

A private family service will be held at First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church at 100 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or to the NEW (Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson) Salvation Army at 1000 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  Thomas Edward Jolley, Jr.’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness and dedication to family and community.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.