George is survived by his adoring wife of 65 1/2 years, Shirley Ballard Tolley; his loving daughter, Donna Tolley Jarvis and sonin- law, Dennis Jarvis, whom he loved as a son; his son, Timothy David Tolley, and his daughter, Caitlin, and grandson Winstin; first-born granddaughter Meagan Jarvis Deacon (who gave him his name of “Big Daddy”) and her husband Seth Deacon, whom he loved dearly and their daughters Avery Deacon and Tanner Deacon, all of Rockbridge County; grandson Brandon Lyle Jarvis and wife Bobbie and their two sons, Landon Jarvis and Easton Jarvis of Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was so proud of Brandon who excels in a football career. Also surviving him are his brothers, William “Bill” Tolley, Clarence “Franklin” Tolley, James Hunter Tolley, and Wayne Lee Conner, all of Lexington, and Charles Edward Tolley of Martinsville.

He was a Redskins fan and UVA fan. George was a selfmade man who after finishing 10th grade at Lexington High School decided that school was not for him; he had better things to do.

While in high school, he worked at Whiting Oil Company, located in the triangle of North Main and Jefferson Street, pumping gas, changing oil and tires, so he was hired full-time after quitting school. He was later given a better position of truck driver delivering gas and oil. His father, Lewis Tolley, was the manager of the station at that time. When Petroleum Marketers of Roanoke purchased Whiting Oil Co., Lewis retired and George was promoted to manager. Petroleum Marketers expanded the service to include several surrounding counties and moved the office and station to U.S. 11 North near the interchange of U.S. 11 and Interstate 64, which turns into Interstate 81. This brought about many changes that George met and succeeded in many cases, earning “Branch of the Year” and “Manager of the Year” awards.

He became a prominent figure in the industry and served on the board of directors in Roanoke. As Petroleum Marketers expanded, so did George’s operations and positions. George became fast friends with Terry Phelps, CEO and president of Petroleum Markets and spent happy times playing guitars and enjoying Miller Lite. He also became buddies with Mike Murphy, manager of the Allegheny and Covington offices and distributorships. Their friendship has lasted to this day. They were fortunate enough to be offered their own distributorship in West Virginia, which brought more success.

There are too many work friends who became family friends to mention, but one lasting friendship is Ron and Judy Lundy of Roanoke who have remained steadfast and loyal as well as Mike Murphy. Also, still just as close is Terry Phelp’s widow, Pat Phelps, and daughter, Ashley.

Anyone who met George found him friendly, honest and willing to help in any way he could. There is no one who can equal him or fill his shoes. He leaves beautiful memories and is still loved and will always be remembered as “Big Daddy” and an avid golfer.

George and Terry enjoyed many trips to The Greenbrier and playing on that “fabulous course.” Terry always bought George a shirt when he won.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and radiologists who cared for our beloved husband, father, Big Daddy, and prolonged his life as much as was Godly possible.

Special thanks to Wendy Duncan who was his in-home nurse before he entered Kendal where he lived his last days. Also to David Clark, his nurse who took such good care of him easing his pain, as well as the staff at Kendal who cared for him always giving him dignity and respect. God bless you all.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 30, at Harrison Funeral Home by the Rev. Michael Wilburn. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

NG