Wilbur Morton Jolly

Wilbur Morton Jolly, died Saturday, August 18th, 2006. He was born January 16, 1916, in Pitt County. He is a graduate of Wake Forest Law School and was admitted to the NC Bar in 1941. He entered the U.S. Army in November 1942, and served in the European Theater until his discharge in December of 1945. He continued in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1963 rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He resumed his general practice of law in 1945 and continued to practice until his retirement in December 2004. In June of 2002, Mr. Jolly was inducted into the NC Bar Association's Lawyer's Hall of Fame. He was the dean of the Franklin County Bar.
Mr. Jolly represented Franklin County in the North Carolina Senate in 1957, 1959 and 1963. He also represented the 14th District in the NC State House of Representatives in 1980. He was the senior partner in the law firm of Jolly, Williamson, & Williamson in Louisburg until his retirement. He was a powerful advocate for his clients in both civil and criminal litigation and in his later years in his practice of real estate transactions, estate matters, and probate. He also spent much time just giving advice to clients and to younger lawyers, drawing upon his considerable experience, wisdom and knowledge of the law. Mr. Jolly was awarded the honor of Tar Heel of the Week by the News & Observer in its October 27, 1963, issue, and was faithful a member of Louisburg Baptist Church serving as deacon, chairman of the Advisory Board and taught the Men's Sunday School Class for many years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sybil Elizabeth King Jolly in 1970.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Justine Hicks Jolly of the home; his son, Michael King Jolly and wife, Carroll of Hillsboro; his daughter, Jane Elizabeth Jolly of Louisburg; and a special niece, Brittany Liles.
Graveside funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg.
The family will receive friends at their residence, 1111 Herbert Dr., Zebulon on Monday from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Zebulon www.masseyfuneralhome.com