Obituary of Joseph L Jolley

Joseph Laurice Jolley, known more frequently by his middle name, Laurice, was born on December 10^th, 1933 in Hopewell, Alabama to Joseph Ashton Jolley and Allie Lofton Jolley. He departed this life at his home with his wife nearby on March 18^th, 2024 at the age of 90.

Laurice began working with his hands at a young age, tending to various farm duties around his family’s farm in rural Alabama. Laurice loved wood working, carpentry, gardening and being with his family at home and at church. His work ethic developed young and continued until he was no longer able to be productive.  He was ever diligent in passing this trait down to his sons and grandsons.  He was also an avid watcher of western movies and his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide football team, of which he did not miss watching a game even into his later years.

Laurice began his “official” working career in 1951 at Lumber Fabricators in Fort Payne, Alabama and stayed with the company for 17 years (excluding his military service) until 1968, he then moved to Kingsbury Homes, from 1968 to 1982.  In 1971, he moved his family to Holdenville, OK to become General Foreman at a newly built manufacturing facility for the company. During this period, Boise Cascade took over the facility and promoted Laurice to Plant General Foreman, where he stayed until the facility closed in 1982.  The following year he moved to Georgetown TX and took over the same position for Summey Building Systems, where he worked until retirement in 1988.

Laurice married Diane Gentry Jolley on February 5^th, 1955, recently celebrating their 69^th year of marriage. Together they had two sons, Anthony Don Jolley and Joseph Michael Jolley.

In 1956, shortly after marriage, Laurice was drafted into the US Army and traveled to Germany with the SP5 Engineering Battalion, where he put his carpentry and construction knowledge to use rebuilding bridges and other necessary infrastructure that was destroyed in WWII. He was moved to reserve duty in 1958 and returned to active duty in 1959 for his second term of service. 

Laurice was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; but more than anything, he was a dedicated follower of Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church Depew and a deacon at many different churches throughout his life, passing down his faith to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Laurice was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ashton Jolley; mother, Allie Lofton Jolley; brother, Loftin Cordell Jolley; and sister Bonnie Seal.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Jolley of Depew, OK; sister Melba Reed of Maryland; two sons and their spouses, Mike and Barbara Jolley of Chandler, OK and Don and Kathy Jolley of Depew, OK; five grandchildren Ashton Jolley of Newcastle, OK, Josh and wife Bethany Jolley of Newcastle, OK, Brian Lewis of Anadarko, OK, Taylor and wife Kelsey Jolley of Depew, OK, and Tanner Jolley of Depew, OK; nine great-grandchildren Benjamin, Luke, Lincoln, Miah, Zoey, Grayson, Ava, Gianna and Abram.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 until 11:00, Friday, March 22, 2024 at Depew First Baptist Church with services to follow.  Interment immediately after at Depew Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Depew First Baptist Church - Food Pantry, PO Box 256, Depew OK 74028.