Joel McKay Jolley
1923 ~ 2010
Joel passed away peacefully on May 22, 2010. He was born appropriately on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1923 in Tropic, Utah, the heart of Bryce Canyon, to Jesse Levi and Mary Leona Johnson Jolley. He was the seventh of nine children. As a youth he earned money by gathering the town cattle and herding them throughout the canyon. At age 16 he became Assistant Postmaster. A gifted student and leader, he served as Tropic High Student Body President. He earned a scholarship to Dixie College where he was elected Junior Class President. During World War II he joined the US Coast Guard. He loved the flag of the United States and what it stood for. In 1943 while stationed in San Francisco, he met his sweetheart, Mary Ellen Jex, of Provo. In 1946 when he returned from serving in Guam, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple.
Joel attended the University of Utah, College of Pharmacy where, as a research assistant to Ewart Swinyard, he conducted extensive clinical testing on anti-convulsant drugs. He graduated with the first graduating class of the College of Pharmacy in 1950. After graduation he joined Charles King as partner in King-Jolley Rexall Drug, located on the corner of 9th & 9th. Several years later the store became Jolley's Pharmacy, where each of his children worked as they were growing up. Many lasting friends were made with customers and employees.
Joel served as President of the Utah Pharmaceutical Association and over the years received many awards including University of Utah Distinguished Alumni and The Bowl of Hygeia (pharmacy's highest award.)
Joel loved the Lord and diligently served many years with children and youth as well as the elderly in Ward and Stake capacities. He served in the Salt Lake Temple for over 30 years and was honored to be a Sealer.
Joel and Mary loved to travel throughout the world and 49 states. As a hobby they photographed each post office in the State of Utah. A special joy was working in his shop where he created numerous handmade wooden treasures for his posterity, who loved him dearly.
Every righteous desire of his heart has been realized.
He is survived by his wife, Mary and seven children whom he deeply loved: Mardy (Pam), Marla (Richard) Jensen, DeAnn (Brett) Savage, Dean (Carrie), Bryce (Terry), JoDee (Robert) Baird and Kennion (Jennifer); 30 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; brothers: William C. Jolley and Aaron F. Jolley; sister: Rose S. Randquist. Preceded in death by brothers: M. Rex Jolley and Arben K. Jolley; sisters: Jessie Terry, Maggie LeFevre and Bertha Heaton.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, May 27th at the Parley's 4th Ward Chapel, 1870 East Parleys Canyon Blvd (2310 South). Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South and the day of the service from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the ward. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund at
www.pef.lds.org. Condolences at www.larkincares.com