Samuel David Jolly

Teacher, photographer, and fireworks enthusiast, Samuel David Jolly, passed away on April 13, 2022, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  Sam was born November 12, 1969 in Mesa, AZ.

Sam completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees on May 9, 1999, at the University of Wyoming. He went back to school to complete his Master of Human Resource and Organizational Development degree in 2009, at the University of Texas. His pride was in his step children and grandchildren as well as his ability to capture the beauty of this world in photographs.

Connecting with people of all ages brought great joy to Sam. He could capture an audience with his quick wit and breadth of knowledge. He had a fun-loving nature and enjoyed dressing up as Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, the main attraction at the local fireworks stand, always with a Diet Coke in hand.

Sam is survived by his mother, Dorothy LaVerne Jolly; his former wife, Kathleen Jolly; his stepson, Richard Michael Merrill, Richard‘s wife Stephanie, and children JJ, Alyssa, Cadence and Rylan; his stepdaughter, Kristin Marie Palmisano, Kristin’s husband Rob, and their son, Grayson; three sisters, Becky Garber, Sharon Betzold, and Grace Jolly; one brother, John Jolly; as well as many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private memorial will be held at a future date.