The Rev. Lawson E. Jolly, Jr., 83, of Dade City, Florida, died Sunday, February 18, 2018. He was born December 3, 1934, at Emory University, Georgia, to Lawson E. and Thelma McCurdy Jolly. He was a Southern Baptist minister for 62 years and pastored churches in Texas, Georgia, and Florida. In addition, he served as a missionary to Costa Rica appointed by the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Rev. Jolly is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith Richbourg Jolly; 3 children and their spouses: Jennifer Rothschild (Philip Clayton), Lawson E. Jolly III (Jill), David Jolly (Laura); his sister, Jan McAlhany (Joseph Carlisle, Jr.); grandchildren: Philip Clayton Rothschild, Jr. (Caroline), Connor Lawson Rothschild, Justine Marie Jolly, Juliet Summer Jolly; and his great-grandson, Philip Clayton Rothschild III (Tripp). A celebration of his life and ministry will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 24, 2018, at First Baptist Church, Dade City. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Florida Baptist Historical Society Endowment Fund (www.floridabaptisthistory.org), POB 95, Graceville, FL 32440; Florida Baptist Childrens Homes (www.fbchomes.org), POB 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802; Family of God Baptist Church (Building Fund), 41237 County Road 54 East, Zephyrhills, FL 33540; or First Baptist Church, Dade City (Towards Tomorrow), 37511 Church Avenue, Dade City, FL 33525.

First Baptist Church of Dade City