Gary Francis Jolly

Gary Francis Jolly, 66, of Hanahan, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 14, 1959, in Ft Worth, TX, Gary was the son of Maria Magdalena Ortiz Ojeda and the late Gary Weston Jolly.

He served in the U.S. Army, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service he did tours in South Korea, Germany, and supported Operation Desert Storm, and Desert Shield. He was a proud combat veteran for over 15 years.

After leaving the military, he went on to earn an M.A. in Computer Resources and Information Management and in Business and Organizational Security Management. This fostered a rewarding career teaching graduate school for over 15 years. He loved learning and sharing knowledge from history to science, and anything to do with computers. He lived a life of service to his country, community, and family.

He loved his wife Connie, his soulmate, for forty-five years and the mother of his beautiful daughters. They shared many passions together including history, education, traveling, hiking, and visiting their loving family.

He was a dedicated father, loving "Papa" and faithful friend. Gary was a fierce negotiator and fantastic cook. He could make anyone laugh with his wholesome dad jokes and smile with the most incredibly thoughtful gestures. It's no surprise that Heaven would call him home so soon. He was a loving and supportive brother and son to his family. He will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Gary is survived by his wife, Constance "Connie" A. Jolly; two daughters: Melissa A. Parker (Warren) of Madison, AL, and Francis J. Finley (William) of Moncks Corner, SC; five grandchildren: Brianna K. Parker, Brandon C. Parker, Kylie S. Finley, Connor W. Finley, Sophia Elena G. Finley; his mother, Maria Magdalena Ortiz Ojeda; sister, Julie Lee Ortiz of Fort Myers, FL; two brothers: Kenneth E. Lee (Tammy) of Celebration, FL and David Lee Ortiz of Los Angeles, CA.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, West Ashley, SC 29414.

Military Funeral Honors Service followed by burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.