Gary W. Jollay, 73
Gary W. Jollay, 73 of Ashland, passed away at his home Wednesday Morning, May 15th after a long battle with illness.
He was born to the late, Howard F. Jollay and Doris (nee Harmon) Jollay on March 25th 1951, in East Point, Georgia.
Gary Proudly served his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1973-77.
Throughout his life he had many occupations, such as factory work, security, and truck driving. He was with Custom Hoist for 28 years before moving to work at The Ohio State University as their security officer.
Gary was a devout member of the First Baptist Church in New London, Ohio for many years until his illness became too much. In 2021, he became a member of the Harry Higgins post 88 of the American Legion.
He married his loving wife, the former Donna Webb on August 7th 2004, and the two would have celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary this year.
Gary and Donna enjoyed traveling on the road when he was a truck driver, watching movies together and taking care of their dogs, purebred Shih Tzus, Bear and Baby. In his free time, Gary would volunteer as a fire fighter for Mifflin and Ashland Departments as well as coaching and refereeing multiple sporting events. Some of his favorites were baseball, basketball, and football.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughters Kari (Matthew) Lucas, stepson Adam (Teresa) Webb; Grandchildren, Justice Garber, Liberty Garber, Logan (Justin) Ziegler, Ethan Garber, and Zachary Lucas; his niece Julie (Thomas) Krupnik of Ashland and nephew Aaron Barr of Ashland; and his brothers Dave (Judy) Jollay of Mansfield and Ken Jollay of Ashland, and a brother-in -law Jody Barr of Ashland.
Along with his parents, Gary is preceded in death by his sister Diane Barr of Ashland.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd at 3pm in the Denbow- Gasche Funeral Home 313 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.