Thurmon Rolly Jr.

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Thurmon Rolly Jr was born in Jonesboro, AR on November 9, 1944. Affectionately called, “Bo” or “Bo Dilly”  or “Billy” and “Star” by friends and family, Thurmon Jr. grew up in Jonesboro, AR, with his mother, Imogene Steadman Rivers, Stepfather, Jessie Henry Rivers, and younger siblings, Billie Jean Steadman Hill and Alvis “Champ” Rivers. Bo also spent his childhood summers in Madison, IL with his family. It was there at Dunbar Elementary School he developed a love for basketball. He would eventually return to Jonesboro to attend the historic Booker T. Washington High School, where he led the 1963 basketball team to a state championship his senior year.

At the age of 12, Thurmon professed a hope in Christ at First Baptist Church on Kitchen Street in Jonesboro, AR, where he was baptized by The Late Rev W.O Lindsey.  At First Baptist, he served as an usher and developed a love for service.

Thurmon enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after high school graduation. He was stationed in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea as a military police officer from 1964-1967. Upon his return from Korea, he met and married Captoria Richardson Rolly. She preceded him in death on July 9, 2018.

On November 1, 1969, he was hired as an officer with the Jonesboro Police Department. He made history as the very first African American Police Officer in the City of Jonesboro and the very first African American officer to be promoted up the ranks.  He was known to his colleagues as “Star” because of the Star- shaped design in his gold tooth.  He retired from the Jonesboro Police Department in November 1990 after 21 years of service.  After retiring from JPD, he expanded his hobby business, Rolly’s Durasteam, a carpet and restoration service.  He also pursued barbecue and catering business full-time.

Bo was known for his jovial spirit, always one to brighten the day with a prank or joke. He loved to golf, often traveling to Biloxi, MS annually in March to play the greens. He also loved to vacation and spend time with his family—especially his girls, his grand kids and his little sister, Billie Jean. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

Bo transitioned home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Captoria Rolly; his mother, Imogene Rivers; stepfather, Jessie Rivers; and brother, Alvis “Champ” Rivers.

Bo is survived by his daughters, Shalon Rolly-Tate and Patricia Clay of Jonesboro, AR. His son-in-law, Gary Clay of Jonesboro. His sister, Billie Jean Steadman Hill and brother-in law Victor Hill of Jonesboro. Very special brothers/cousins, Lee T. Lloyd of Jonesboro, AR and Orlando Arnez Lloyd of Columbia, MD. Very special Big Sister/Cousin, Barbara Jean Mayden Anderson of Chicago, IL and an aunt, Essie Steadman of Maywood, IL. His Grandchildren, Tiffany Clay of Jonesboro, AR, Skylar  Clay of Dallas, TX and Jarrod (Robin) Clay of Omaha, NE.  His Great Grand Children, Kyla, Christian, and Maverick Clay; and a very special Grandson, Garrett Gathright.  He also leaves a host of relatives, friends, and neighbors to cherish his memory.

A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Emerson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2022 at Emerson Funeral Home with Rev. Wesley Anderson Sr. and Rev. Gary Clay. Burial will follow at 1p.m. at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas. Honorary pallbearers will include the Jonesboro Police Department.