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Richard Jolly Obituary
After serving in the Air Force and working in the private sector, he followed his dream and established Tidewater MG Center in Newport News, Va. If you owned an MG, you probably knew Dad.
He grew up in Hilton Village, graduating from Warwick High School in 1955. After traveling the country with the military, he made his way back to the Village in 1969 where he lived until his illness.
Preceded in death by his parents, Richard Gibbs Suddith and Amy Leslie Jolly, he is survived by his children, Margaret 'Midge' Jolly and husband, Tom Weyant, of the Florida Keys, Rebecca 'Becky' Hepner and husband, John, of York County, Va., Don Michael 'Mike' Jolly and wife, Linda, of Clifton Park, N.Y., Richard Jeffrey 'Jeff' Jolly and wife, Lynn, of Newport News, Va., Mary Christine Liell of Long Island, N.Y., Aaron Fortner of Tucson, Ariz., and honorary son, Larry Trevathan of Hampton, Va.
Additional survivors include his twin sister, Nancy Wood (Larry) of Las Vegas, Nev., Barbara Wright (Pat) of Newport News, Va., and Lynn Watters of King George, Va. His grandchildren include Faye Cohen, Adam and David Weyant, Donny Jolly Hare, Dakotah Bowie, Jesse and Joshua Jolly, Britney Jolly, Casey Jolly (USN) and wife, Brenda, and Carlea and Richie Liell. Over the years, Dad made many friends and hundreds of acquaintances. He leaves behind two true and special friends, Buddy David of Newport News, Va., and Jerry Hudson of Portsmouth, Va.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 902 York Warwick Drive, Yorktown, Va. At Dad's request there will be no formal memorial service. Instead, a celebration of his life will be held in York County at a later date. Those interested in attending may email [email protected] for further details.
We would like to thank the professional staff of Riverside Hospice for their compassionate help in the care of our father. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Riverside Hospice, 11815 Rock Landing Road, Newport News, VA 23606. Those wishing to share a fond memory of Dad are encouraged to visit www.legacy.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Jolly
Sponsored by anonymous.
Barbara Wright
February 9, 2021
Dick played a huge and important role in my childhood. He showed me how to sharpen a pencil with a pocket knife when I was five. I have the scar to prove it. He took me to high school pep rallies, drove me very fast through "snake hollow", and helped me build snow men. I arrived in his life when he was almost fourteen and am sure I was not what he was looking forward to for his teen years. I loved my brother and as adults we found ways to bridge the age difference. He was a great help to me when my husband's work kept him from home and I'll always love and miss him. Brother-duey!
Rebecca J Hepner
February 7, 2021
I sure do miss my dad. We were so fortunate to have him as our guiding light and teacher of all things. John and I are prepping the Johnderosa for sale and I am thankful for all that he taught me about home repairs. I still have moments where I want to pick up the phone for advice and am extremely saddened that I can’t. He was far from perfect but he was my perfect hero XOXOX
Lynn Watters
February 6, 2021
Hey Brother Duey. I think of you often and miss you. Love you...your baby sister.
June 18, 2018
When I moved from Poughkeepsie to Newport News in 1996, the first phone call I made from our (newly rented) home was to Tidewater MG Center, to get my NY snow ravaged '78 B back on line. Dick was great fun to work with- raunchy, humorous, demanding of good work and proper handling of tools. As stated in a previous note, his sayings frequently pop up in conversations between my son and myself, whether working on our MGs or on other projects. We miss him and are grateful that we had a chance to know him.
John Philbrick
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Rebecca Hepner
June 17, 2018
Wow, 10 years dad. Miss you bunches. Happy Father's Day. You were the best
John Philbrick
July 6, 2013
It is over five years since we lost Dick, and I only knew him for twelve years. Yet it is surprising how often a thought of him comes to mind, or that my son, Whitney or I will repeat a saying of his to the other when we are working on a project together. The other day, his name came up with affection and respect in a discussion of an MGA Coupe project that moved from his shop to a father and son shop in Lancaster, PA, and has now turned into beautigul blue machine owned jointly by a minister and his Ordinance Disposal Lt. in the Army! Rest in peace, Dick. If heaven provides a place where we can make ourselves and others happy, I can see Dick with good friends, and good conversation.
September 21, 2011
Happy Happy for what would have been your 75th
July 22, 2011
A good man who lived and let live... May God's grace be upon thee...
February 9, 2011
Love and miss you bunches Dad!!!!
#2 Daughter
#2 Daughter
June 21, 2010
To dance with my father again...
Missing you Dad!
June 20, 2010
Happy Fathers Day
February 10, 2010
Peace!
February 10, 2010
Dear Brother Duey,
I still see you in the beards and walks of other men when out and about. I miss knowing you're just around the corner. You would be so proud of all your children, grandchildren and now a great grandson. He's adorable! Love. Sister Duey
Becky
February 9, 2010
Two years and missing you all the time...I no longer work the Sunday crossword puzzle, it just isn't quite the same if I can't call to ask you a word I am stuck on...still catch myself going for the phone to ask you a question about other things as well...trying to sell the Tintagel...wanted to keep her for sentimentality but don't have the heart to take her out...and of course the fact that neither John nor I know how to sail puts a big damper on that...hehe!! Love and miss you bunches Dad!
Becky
September 21, 2009
Hey dad, missing you and wishing you were here to celebrate your birthday. Well of course we would celebrate and you would watch...you never were much for a bunch of fussing over you...hugs and kisses!!!
September 21, 2009
Happy Birthday....
June 26, 2009
Daddy, I finaly got the certificate of occupancy for the deck. It is really nice, I wish you could sit out there somking and drinking a Michlobe while reading your (my) National Geographics. I would never been able to do it without you always telling me to do something constructive. I leared a lot from watching you. I miss you.
Love Laddy
Becky
June 22, 2009
Dad, thought of you all day yesterday...sure missed having you over for a BBQ...love you and miss you everyday...
June 21, 2009
Happy Fathers Day Daddy. I do love you and miss you (who would have thought).
Michael (Linda, Jesse and Joshua)
Becky Hepner
February 6, 2009
Dad, it has been almost a year and I still find myself trying to go to you for help with the crossword puzzle. When I am stumped about something I think "hmmm, let me call dad", only to be slapped with the reality that I will have to figure it out myself...I love and miss you Dad
September 21, 2008
Happy Birthday Daddy, Dick, GrandDaddy, Grandpa, we miss you. Love Michael, Linda, Jesse and Joshua
June 15, 2008
Happy Fathers Day.
Linda, Michael, Jesse and Joshua
Mike Ulmer
May 3, 2008
To the Jolly Family,
Sorry for your loss. Richard always had a story to get you laughing. I'll miss visiting his shop. He"ll be mised.
Rebecca Hepner
February 26, 2008
To those of you that graciously sent a donation to Riverside Hospice (and probably got it returned) please note that this is the correct address:
Riverside Hospice
Building 7, Suite D
12420 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News VA 23606
This is not even close to the address that I had listed in the obituary and I am not even sure where I got that address but this is correct. My apologies.
tammy johnson
February 21, 2008
to the jolly family
sorry to hear about the loss of your father... he was a silly man... he always had funny jokes to tell.. i always came to the shop when he called me for haircuts... i would cut it in the shop.... my son tristen is 11 and he would let him spray him with the hose.. before the haircut and after the haircut.... i will miss him deeply... he was like a father to me as well... we will miss u jolly.....
hello daughter, Liell
February 21, 2008
Dad,
I went to Lowes today to get some "stuff" to treat my butcher block island. I was trying to remember the name of the "stuff" while trying to explain it to the oh so patient worker when I said "hold on, I'll call my..." my words trailed of and it hit me that I cant dial the phone and pick your brain. You are never more than a thought away but today it hit me in the gut. A tear rolled down my cheek and I hold the salesguy to forget it I didnt need it. He was probably wondering why I was crying over treatment for a butcher block. Today I am sure, is the first of many times that will happen to me. Can you do me a favor and answer all my calls for help I still need your knowledge and wisdom.
I love you
Bill Vose
February 19, 2008
Well Dick, I am sure you are in that great MG graveyard. I was trying to remember how long I have known you. I enjoyed your friendship and knowledge of British cars, also your imense stock of parts, both new and used. I will miss dropping by Tidewater MG to swap lies with you. To the family, my condolances on your loss.
Bette Davis
February 18, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Richard's death. My sympathy goes out to his family and all his friends.
I'm so glad I knew him and will always remember his ability to make me blush with his impish sense of humor. Going to see him at the shop was looked forward to, even though those trips involved MG problems and would surely cost me money. He greeted me with "Hello sexy drawers" which was a tremendous boost to this 65 year old lady's spirits. Thank you Richard for everything!
He will be missed by so many for so many reasons and the loss of the knowledge he carried in that oh so quick mind of his leaves each of us immeasurably poorer.
Rest in peace, old friend!
Jeff Church
February 16, 2008
Wow, what a guy. What great times I had with him over the past ten years - especially when he took an MG break to work on my Bugeye! Thankfully I did have one last chat with him this past summer. I'll miss his humor and generosity. God bless you all during this trying time.
Flora Randall
February 15, 2008
I met Dick when he was a Supervisor at CDI Marine Co. He always kept everyone in stitches with the things he said. I was also reminded again of his love of "MG's" while reading his Obituary. In later years, I would also work with his son Jeff, and did not know for quite some time that he was Dick's son either. That was also amazing when I discovered that. To all of his family, let the hearty person that Dick was be a comfort to you now.
-Flo
Scott & Debbie Grosser
February 15, 2008
Jeff & Lynn,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know your dad very well, but had enjoyed the brief meetings and talks with him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeffrey's Bride
February 15, 2008
Pop ~
I will forever cherish your “interpretations” of the umpty-nine pictures I took while you were staying at Becky & John’s. I will definitely look at pictures differently from now on. You had Britney & I LOAO… ahhhh, good times!! Thanks for the GS2!
Love,
Daughter-n-law
Lynn Jolly Watters
February 14, 2008
My Dear Brother Duey,
You were an amazing man, with lots of guts, who kept his family together in spite of the terrific odds. I know you were very proud of your children & loved them all very much. I'll always remember the family trips to Toana, the beach, the river, Okracoke (sp?) Island flounder gigging, your ENDLESS JOKES, and oh yes, MY "shower curtain follies." Rest peacefully my Duey...Love now & always, Lynn
Brenda (Joyce) Schuh
February 14, 2008
John & Becky,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
The Jolly Kids
February 14, 2008
We would like to thank everyone who came by with their heartfelt condolances and wonderful stories of our fathers life. Your presence recomfirmed how many peoples lives our father touched durling his lifetime.
God bless,
Mike Moonis
February 14, 2008
Jeff,
I am very sorry for the loss of you father. I only came to know you and Mr. Jolly this past year while working on the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Trailer at Tidewater MG. He always made me smile even when he was pointing out my errors. Christ's blessings to your whole family.
Sam Mills
February 13, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Carolyn (Cissie) Harper
February 13, 2008
I knew your family when you lived on Conner Rd in Hampton. Chrissie was just 3 or 4 yrs old. Jeff was in kindergarten. I lived across the street on Seward Dr. Your dad was so adamant about keeping his family together...he REALLY loved his kids! You later moved to Palen Ave and I lost touch. I never forgot your dad...he was a real-life hero.
Barbara Jolly Wright
February 13, 2008
Dear Brother Duey,
For as long as I can remember you have been just down the road, and when I really needed a big brother, you were there. Holiday meals will never be the same without you. I love and miss you. Be at peace.
Love,
Barbara
Mel Vogelsang
February 13, 2008
Jeff, I was so sorry to read about the death of your father. What I read told me you had a wonderful dad. I can see that your dad's ways have a lot to do with the terrifc person you are. I am sure he was very proud of you, his son.
Diana
February 13, 2008
Becky - Be comforted in knowing that your Dad is in a better place, and know that you are surrounded and supported by friends and family who love you.
Dennis and Hazel Dickinson
February 12, 2008
Our thouths and prayers are with all of you in your time of grief.
Your dad or I would always yell down the street "Hey old man how are doing"? He or I would always responed "Doing OK for an old man" I will really miss your Dad.
As you already know I would not have been able to respond to your Dad if Mike hadn't saved my life.
Thinking of all of you, Dennis
February 12, 2008
We were unfortunate not know your dad Jeff but knew how much you loved him. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The Pada's
Karen Wheeler Calano
February 12, 2008
Mike and Jeff I am sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Hold your memories closer to your heart in this difficult time. Karen
Jeff
February 12, 2008
Dad - I will miss our Wednesday's and Saturday's the most. But I will miss you everyday.
K.C. AND RANDI AKERS
February 12, 2008
Becky -We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Blackstone Copes
February 12, 2008
Deepest regrets. Your old friend and classmate, Jerry Blackstone Copes
John Hepner
February 12, 2008
My favorite father'n'law. I miss your wit and charming personality already. I will always cherish riding my bike to your shop and chewing the fat with you. I will never forget our trip to Long Island...whew, now that was a trip. GOD Bless you my friend and may you rest gently in the hands of our father the Almighty God.
P.S., Thanks for giving me Becky.
Carl & Wilda Hogbin
February 12, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Whitney Philbrick
February 12, 2008
I will miss you very much Dick.
You were a great mechanic, and you were a friend.
Be at peace
Cheryl & Michael Zaccagnini
February 12, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you today and always and please take care.
Love and prayers,
Cheryl and Michael Zaccagnini
Sharon Paulson
February 12, 2008
My husband is the fond owner of a 1972 MGB, and we have spent a lot of time with Dick Jolly. He always had a new joke to tell us along with the offer of a cold beer as he shared the news of how much it would cost to fix "it" this time. He made spending money easy. We shall miss him.
Dennis and Hazel Dickinson
February 12, 2008
Our thouths and prayers are with you. Take care and we hope to see you.
Bonnie Epperson
February 12, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this most difficult time in your life. Richard always made me laugh, & was such a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed.
Kimberly Rose
February 12, 2008
To the Jolly Family,
I will certainly miss Mr. Jolly and the wonderful sense of humor he had. I will always remember answering the phone at the Deli to the sound of him singing "It's a beautiful day for a salad." I just hope there are enough hard- boiled eggs up there for him. May you feel God's touch during this difficult time.
Gina Weese
February 12, 2008
Our prayers are with you God Bless you. Gina, Marcus and McKenzie Weese
Greta Lee
February 12, 2008
To the Jolly family.
We are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing.I met him at Becky and John (Mike's)wedding.He was my escort into the reception.I saw what a kind man he was and I'm sure you all will miss him very much.May God comfort you all in your time of sorrow.Cherish your memories,they mean so much.
Love ,
Greta@Lee Lehman
John Philbrick
February 12, 2008
Dick was a friend as well as a good mechanic. I'm really very sorry to see him go. I will miss him.
Christine Liell (Jolly)
February 12, 2008
Dad, I love and miss you. I'll miss your phone calls that always started with a "Did you hear about the..." joke. Watch over us, we love you.
Donna Detloff
February 12, 2008
Our thought and prayers are with you all. Remember he is a rest now.
The Detloffs--Donna, Jeff, Michele
and Sean Carnes
Gerald & Judith Judy
February 12, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cheryl and Michael Zaccagnini
February 12, 2008
We want to let you both know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time and always.
Bless you,
Cheryl and Michael Zaccagnini
David & Carolyn West & Family
February 12, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
WENDY branson
February 12, 2008
OUR THOUHGTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. THE JOHN D. BRANSON, II FAMILY.
Mike August
February 12, 2008
The MG community will certainly miss Dick for all his expertise, generosity, and willingness to help. I can't tell you how much I learned about my car from volunteering and hanging around the shop in the early 90's. Dick was also a childhood friend of my Dad, Barry August, and I feel that connection made us good friends.
Becky
February 12, 2008
I love and miss you dad but I will try to cry no more...I am glad that you are now at peace
Chuck, Wendy and Chelsi Adkins
February 12, 2008
Aunt Becky, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We really enjoyed Dick all the times we came down to Yorktown, VA. He will be missed by many. Please know that we love you very much and our prayers are with you and your family.
Becky
February 12, 2008
You are the best dad...I will miss you forever. I will try not to cry anymore...I know how you hated that...but if I do, bear with me...my sorrow is my own and I am not sad that you are now at peace...Love you Dad!!!
Charlotte Lewis
February 12, 2008
Candy will never be the same....
Terry Powell
February 12, 2008
Lynn, Barbara and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Terry Smith Powell
Lauren Smith Mutter
February 12, 2008
May you find strength in the love that surrounds you.
Bill and Debbie Vaccarelli and all your friends at Danny's Deli
February 12, 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family. We miss Mr. Jolly's visits and "stories" ....
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