John Dolly Jr., 84, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away January 16, 2023 in Jackson General Hospital, Ripley, WV, following an extended illness.

He was born June 2, 1938 in Whitmer, WV, a son of the late John Arlington Dolly Sr. and Mary (Reed) Dolly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Evond Smith and Norma Thompson; son in law Brian Hill and close members to the family, Charlie Whipkey and Hamada Albaghdadi.

He was a United States Army veteran and enjoyed boxing and fishing. He was a jokester and a very competitive checker player. He was a Pentecostal by faith and the former Pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle. He and his wife Velma traveled to many churches, homecomings, gospel sings and revivals over the course of their ministry. He was an avid musician and could play most every instrument. He was a former employee of Hartley Manufacturing and Penny Fare. He was known for the jokes he pulled and told while working for Penny Fare.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Velma Louis (White) Dolly; son, Monty Dolly of Grantsville; daughters, Audrey Brewer of Sandyville and Sonya Hill of Ripley; brothers, Hilbert (Irene) Dolly of Thomas, WV and Jessie Dolly of Wymer, WV; grandchildren, Nathan (Kristin) DeWees of Evans, Kelsey Hill of Ripley and Kayla (Brian) Cariani of Gardner, KS.

Service will be 2 p.m. ~ Friday, January 20, 2023 at Casto Funeral Home, Evans, WV with Pastor Adam Nester officiating. Burial will follow in Independence Cemetery, Sandyville, WV. Visitation will be two hours prior to service time at the funeral home.