Gerald "Jerry" Lee Kolle

Franklin, NC - Gerald "Jerry" Lee Kolle, age 81, of Franklin, NC, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013. He was born in Vanderburg County, Indiana, the son of the late Raymond and Ruby Barnard Kolle.He was retired from the US Air Force, having served during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was married first to Margaret Callis Kolle, who died in 1988, and is survived by his second wife, Marilyn Higgins Kolle.

Mr. Kolle was a member of the Air Force Association; a member of Franklin Gem Society, and a survivor of Chosin Frozen in Korea. He loved gardening, woodworking and gem cutting.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Ruth Witsberger of Plato, MO, Naomi Kolle of Franklin, NC and Cindy Hand of Princeton, IL; four step sons, James Gray of Tampa, FL, Robert Gray of Orlando, FL, Charles Gray of Louisville, KY and William Gray of Charlotte, NC; a sister, Elaine McGraw of Dallas, TX, and a brother, Logan Kolle of Fordsville, KY; twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a son Gerald "Gary" Kolle, Jr and a sister, Norma Jean Kost.

Memorial services will be held July 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm, in the Chapel of Bryant Grant Funeral Home with Rev. Vic Greene officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Angel Hospice, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.