Joe Kolarik

Tupelo - Joseph  Kolarik, Jr., 83, surrounded by his loving family, passed away, Sunday, April 28, 2019, after an extended illness, at North Mississippi Medical Center. A native of Czechoslovakia, Joe was born October 18, 1935, to Joseph and Bozena Kolarik, and at the age of three his family moved to the United States and made their home in Maryland. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. Joe married the love of his life and best friend, Norma Wright, and they shared fifty-seven wonderful years together. Joe and Norma moved their family to Tupelo in 1979, where he accepted a position with Day-Brite Lighting as Product Manager. After more than thirty years of service, Joe retired from Day-Brite but continued working part-time as a Business Consultant which he enjoyed. Joe proudly served his country in the Maryland Army National Guard for a number of years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and job, playing golf and spending time with Day-Brite retirees at their monthly Retirees Luncheon. Joe's greatest joy and most prized possession was his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Wright Kolarik of Saltillo; two daughters, Marcia Buse and her husband, Jeff of Mantachie and Jennifer Richardson of Tupelo; sister, Mildred Bara of Maryland; and three grandchildren, Chloe Richardson, Caleb Richardson and Kayla Buse, all of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bozena Kolarik, Sr.

Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday, April 30, 2019, and immediately following the service, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.

A memorial service will be 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Neal Ramage officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to United Way of Northeast Mississippi, P.O. Box 334, Tupelo, MS 38802.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .