Keith Jollay Obituary

Keith McArthur Jollay, 77, of Simpsonville, SC, husband of Marty McGough Jollay, left this world, after a brief battle with cancer, on Friday, May 16, 2025, at McCall Hospice House. Born on September 5, 1947, in Flint, MI, he was the son of the late Rev. McArthur and Edna Pearl Jollay. Keith was fondly referred to by his family members as "Le Chef" due to his enjoyment of cooking and preparing meals for his extended family. He enjoyed nothing more than family dinners with lots of good food and fellowship. Many of his recipes will continue to be enjoyed by family and friends. He also relished telling stories of adventures he experienced while hiking on the Appalachian Trail with family members and friends. Keith was a lover of classic cars and owned several through the years. His prized possession was a 1965 sky blue Corvette convertible. During his years of retirement, Keith and Marty were able to enjoy extensive travel to various parts of the US, Canada and Europe. Keith pursued several careers over his lifetime including managing a radio station in the Metropolitan Washington DC area. He also owned and operated the Colonial Inn in Franklin NC, and Paul Davis Restoration construction company in Asheville, NC. His last working years were as a catastrophe insurance adjuster, providing support and expertise to countless clients throughout his tenure in the industry. His work was a testament to his commitment to helping others during challenging times. Though he journeyed through life in various places, his final months were spent in Simpsonville, SC, where he and Marty greatly enjoyed the vibrant downtown Greenville area. He leaves behind to cherish and celebrate his life his devoted wife, Marty; children, Lisa Tygielski and husband Matt (Fletcher, NC), Heather Jollay and husband Marty (Raleigh NC) and Shannon Lavrin and husband Alex (Greenville SC); grandsons, Noah and Michael Tygielski; and granddaughter, Phoebe Castelblanco. A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Sugarfork Baptist Church Cemetery located at 56 Shadow Lane, Franklin, NC. Keith was a reveler in the simple joys of life, and while he may no longer be with us, his presence will forever be felt in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be missed dearly but remembered fondly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NC Arboretum at 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC 28806. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Keith with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".