Willis Hanks “Hank” Jolly, Jr.

Willis Hanks (Hank) Jolly, Jr., passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at the Pinnacle in Oxford, MS. The Jolly family wishes to thank Hank’s caregiver, Tonya Buchanan, who spoiled him beyond belief. The Jolly family also thanks both the Pinnacle and Hospice for the care and compassion they extended to Hank.

Born December 1, 1946, in Philadelphia, MS, to Willis Hanks (Bill) Jolly, Sr. and Teresa Daly Jolly, Hank lived most of his life in Columbus, MS. Hank met and married his high school sweetheart, Delane Tubb Jolly, in Columbus. Married 56 years, Delane was by Hank’s side when he passed.

A graduate of S.D. Lee High School, Hank attended the University of Mississippi – earning both an undergraduate and law degree. At Ole Miss, Hank was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, but those tales can’t be printed here.

Hank enjoyed a successful and diverse legal career. Hank clerked for Chief Justice Thomas Ethridge at the Mississippi Supreme Court before returning to Columbus and practicing law with his father, Bill, at W.H. Jolly, Sr. & Jr. Hank served his community as the assistant district attorney of the 16th Judicial District and was later elected as the district attorney. After his public service, Hank returned to private practice with his brother David at their firm, Jolly & Jolly. Their firm later merged with other well-respected lawyers to form Threadgill, Smith, Sanders and Jolly – which ultimately became Mitchell, McNutt, Threadgill, Smith, and Sams. Hank also served the Columbus community as municipal court judge.

Hank loved his community and Annunciation Catholic Church. He served as president of the Columbus Kiwanis Club, president of the Golden Triangle Rebels, president of the Lowndes County Heart Association, served in the Knights of Columbus, and served as a board member of the Columbus County Club, First Federal Savings and Loan and the United Way.

Hank’s parents, Bill and Teresa, were instrumental in the founding of St. Mary’s Catholic School – now Annunciation Catholic School. Furthering the family legacy, Hank served in many capacities benefiting the school and church he loved dearly. Hank served as lector, member of the parish council and a member of the committee that oversaw the building of a new Annunciation sanctuary. One of the favorite family stories regarding his devotion to the church involves his riding his bike, in the driving rain at 6 a.m., to serve as an altar boy at daily mass – at the insistence of his mother, of course.

Hank was a natural entertainer and loved to tell or hear a good joke. Often asked to emcee events, Hank would enliven any gathering with his wicked sense of humor. He loved his Ole Miss Rebels and enjoyed coaching baseball while his sons, Bill and Rob, played at Propst Park. Weekends were often spent watching the Rebels in Oxford, or at Lake Teresa camping with his sons while listening – and “sometimes” cussing – his beloved Rebels on his radio.

And of course, Hank loved politics. One of his proudest moments was serving as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives while John F. Kennedy was president. Hank also served his community as the chair of the Lowndes County Democratic Party.

Hank was known as “Pops” to his grandchildren: Ben, Emma, Winston and Mac. In the words of Emma: “If you want something, just ask Pops.” All the grandkids will miss Pop’s gravelly voice and stealing his “hidden candy.”

Hank is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Teresa, as well as brother, Steve Jolly. Hank is survived by his wife, Delane, his two sons and their wives, Willis Hanks Jolly III (Melanie), and Robert Tubb Jolly (Rebecca), grandkids (Ben, Emma, Winston and Mac), brother David Jolly (Beth – deceased), as well as sisters-in-law Janice Mauck (Eddie), and Jackie Borden (Robert – deceased), beloved nephews, nieces and a myriad of cousins with whom he loved gathering at the notoriously fun Daly family reunions.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Columbus, MS, with a visitation at 10:00 A.M.

Memorial gifts may be made to the W.H. (Bill) Jolly Memorial Library at Annunciation Catholic School, 223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS, 39702 or to Annunciation Catholic Church, 808 College Street, Columbus, MS, 39701.