JERRY WAYNE GOLLIHAR

Mueller's Tri-Cities

Jerry Wayne Gollihar, author, salesman, entrepreneur, mentor, avid reader, father, grandfather, and husband to his beloved wife Judith Towne Gollihar, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. To those who knew him, Jerry was a big personality who occupied huge spaces in their hearts and minds.

Born to George Chesley Gollihar and Avie Myrtle Denney January 9, 1944 in Muleshoe, Texas, Jerry was the youngest of eight children. He left home at the age of 12, and began inventing himself from his own imagination, a process that continued throughout his life.

When Jerry was 20 years old, he managed the children's shoe department at Nordstrom's in Portland. He met Judy that August. His biggest sales job was convincing her to marry him; a deal he closed November 28, 1964. Fifty years of frequent bliss, occasional fighting, and many unforeseen adventures followed.

Among those adventures was raising their three sons. None of his boys turned out how he expected, but he loved and supported them all despite the surprises and challenges they presented.

Jerry and Judy spent 17 years in La Grande, Oregon, where they primarily raised their sons. They also took their marriage on tour to Portland, Oregon, Hayward and San Mateo, California, Boone, North Carolina, and Valdosta and Hahira, Georgia. They retired to Kennewick in 2007.

Jerry was known for continually striving for his next professional challenge, and educated himself to overcome each obstacle he faced. Throughout his varied career Jerry sold shoes and appliances. He managed shoe stores. He owned collection agencies and credit bureaus in Oregon, and a collection agency in Georgia. He was a co-founder of Legal Aide in La Grande. He wrote and published a self-help book and two novels. He speculated in precious metals. He invested in a skating rink.

While Jerry thought constantly about "the next thing" for his career, he was a dedicated family man who fought to protect his wife, children, and siblings from perceived threats. This sometimes led people to believe that he was gruff or cranky, but the truth is Jerry had a huge heart that was wide open to those he cared about. So it was small surprise when Jerry and Judy celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in November.

Jerry was a renowned storyteller and giver of frequently terrible advice. His hobbies included fishing and fake hunting trips with his best friend, John Stebbins. He had a well-developed sense of humor and a big laugh. He loved country music, classic movies, science, and history. He will be missed.

Jerry is survived by his wife Judy. Additionally, he is survived by: son Eric Wayne Gollihar and his wife Ami Palmer Gollihar and children Dylan and Anna Gollihar of Richardson, Texas; son Tobin Louis Gollihar of Portland, Oregon; son Steven Ryan Gollihar and his wife Arlene Gollihar of Moses Lake and children Jeremy, Trevor, and Mason Gollihar of Nashville, Georgia; sister Kathryn Struck of Boise, Idaho; sister Gloria Bayne of Dalhart, Texas; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his siblings Maxine Obrecht, George Chesley Gollihar Jr., Mank Gollihar, Florence Holt, and Connie Strom.

Please join his family on Tuesday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate Jerry's life at his memorial service at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church.

The family invites you to sign their online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.