Robert J. Jolly, Sr.

Robert J. Jolly, Sr., aged 72, of Valdosta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Presbyterian Home in Quitman, Georgia. Born in Live Oak, Florida, Robert was the fifth son of the late William Marshall Jolly and Mildred Williams Jolly. He grew up in Valdosta, where he graduated from Lowndes County High School in 1971.

From an early age, Robert showed a creative spirit, enjoying pottery, ceramics, and woodcrafts during his shop classes. After high school, he began his career at Texture Tech, later working as a butcher at Harvey’s. On June 24, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Blanton, at Grace Baptist Church, marking the beginning of a devoted partnership that would last 52 years.

Following his time at Harvey’s, Robert pursued his entrepreneurial dreams by founding Blanton’s Meats, which he ran for several years. Later, he opened Jason’s Quality Meats in Quitman. After a brief move to Virginia, Robert and Wanda returned to Valdosta to purchase and operate Blanton’s Market for a decade. In later years, Robert transitioned into the life insurance business before joining Carson McLane, Inc. as an associate.

Driven by a desire to serve his community, Robert pursued funeral director training and was close to earning his license before health issues required him to step back in 2011.

In his leisure time, Robert cherished fishing trips with his sons, his daughter’s cooking and any time he spent with his grandsons. He and Wanda found joy in attending gospel sings together, breakfast at Shoney’s and dinner dates at Willy’s. Known for his humbleness, warm heart and generosity, Robert loved a round of golf with his old friends, cookouts with guitar playing, and spending mornings sharing a good cup of coffee at the Waffle House with his close friends.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Wanda Blanton Jolly; his son, Jason Jolly, Jr. of Valdosta; daughter Jennifer Jolly Luke and her husband Andy Luke of Ray City; son Justin Jolly and his wife April Jolly of Valdosta; and his cherished grandchildren, Jacob Jolly and Braylon Worley. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lamar, Edwin, Wayne, and Curtis Jolly, and his cherished companion, Sugar.

A memorial service honoring Robert’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Pastor Aaron Kight officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.Carson McLane Funeral Home is honored to assist the Jolly family during this time. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Robert’s legacy lives on through the love he shared with his family and the community he served so faithfully. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.