Samuel Eugene Jolley, 84, of Sebastian, FL, passed away on August 12, 2025, after a brief illness. In his final days, he was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Ruth Ann, his daughter, Jennifer, his dog, Bella, and many close friends.
Sam was born to Pauline Mays and Clyde Jolly on March 2, 1941, in Granite Falls, NC, where he spent his childhood running off to the river whenever he wasn’t tied down or his mother wasn’t looking.
In high school, Sam met the love of his life, Ruth Ann, when her stepdad hired him to work at his filling station in Hickory. Lucky for Sam, he already had a car, which is the main reason Ruth Ann agreed to date him. They were married the day after Ruth Ann graduated high school on June 4th, 1960. The very next day, they moved to Florida, where they would live in Ft. Lauderdale and later Plantation for the next 40 years.
In Florida, Sam found work as an apprentice plumber and soon graduated to the level of master plumber. When he was drafted into the Army in 1966, those specialized skills would land him meaningful assignments, first in Washington State, later in Germany, and then Kansas.
Sam continued his plumbing work when he returned to Florida in late 1968. Just over a year later, in December of 1969, Sam and Ruth Ann welcomed their only child, a daughter they named Jennifer. Their Jenny completed their family and filled their lives with lots of love and more than a little mischief. Sam was so proud of his beautiful, independent daughter who attained college degrees and traveled the world, but always called “home” wherever her parents were living.
For Sam and Ruth Ann, their 65-year marriage transcended the deep love and fondness they had for one another. It was also a partnership based on trust and determination, especially when it came to business. In 1972, Sam and Ruth Ann established Sam Jolley’s Plumbing, which they built together into one of the thriving businesses among the triumvirate of plumbing fortunes in the greater Broward County area. The business was sold in 2002, but the family is proud to say that it is still prospering today under Sam’s very good name.
Upon retirement in 2000, Sam and Ruth Ann moved to Sebastian, FL, where they spent 25 wonderful years in their beautiful “Jolleywood” on the Indian River. Their home was always flooded with friends, especially in Sam’s final days, when so many people needed to see him just one more time.
Sam was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was also a darn good businessman, plumber, hunter, and fisherman. In fact, friends and admirers dubbed him “The Pompano King,” and he still has the hat to prove it. Notably, Sam could filet a fish better than anyone in the Treasure Coast, and friends and family near and far will miss savoring the fresh and delicious fruits of all of his above-average hauls.
He loved reading, watching Westerns, completing puzzles, and reaching virtuoso levels of Solitaire on his iPhone. But among all of his hobbies and interests in his active life, Sam was happiest when traveling with Ruth Ann in their RV, fishing with Jenny on the Indian River, or shooting quail with his buddies on one of his storied hunting trips.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann, his daughter and favorite fishing buddy, Jenny, and his loyal English Setter, Bella, who will mourn him just as much as all of his family and friends. Until the very end, Bella could be found resting on the cool Terrazzo floors next to Sam’s bed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Daniel Jolley, and his half-sister, Jacqueline Jackson Shafer, his half-brother, David Jackson, and countless well-trained “good dogs” who loved to fish, hunt, and nap with their Dad.
The family will celebrate Sam with a private shindig befitting of the grand and joyful life he lived. Memorial gifts may be made to VNA of the Treasure Coast, 445 24th St Suite 300, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, FL. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
