1925
Roger
2016
Roger E. Solley
December 21, 1925 — May 20, 2016
Roger Eugene Solley Passed away on Friday May 20th, 2016 at the age of 90. He was happy to join the love of his life, Leona Solley who passed away in July 2013. They were happily married for 63 years. Roger was born during the depression on December 21st, 1925 to Clint and Mildred Solley. Roger graduated high school in 1943 and was very popular as the drummer in the high school "swing" band emulating his hero the famous drummer Gene Krupa.
He was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and served aboard the USS Loundes, carrying Marines to battle. He participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal as well as several other engagements. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Dallas Texas where he started the Roger Solley orchestra. In between engagements he learned to be an upholsterer making furniture. He married Leona in 1950 and they moved to Garland Texas. When the economy crashed in Texas in 1958 they moved to Hawthorne California and he continued upholstery by day and playing the drums by night in country western bands around southern California.
In 1976 he and Leona started selling real estate for Tarbell Realtors. Together, they were very successful and became office managers and brokers. They enjoyed traveling to Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii as often as they could. Roger and Leona (Lee) lived in Hollywood Riviera where their many parties became legendary. Two of the most gracious people you would ever hope to meet. Together again!
Roger leaves behind 4 children, Cathy Brown, Keith, Lee, John (Solley) and Johns wife, Bridgett. Two Granddaughters, Kelly and her husband Billie Oku and Ashlee and her husband Michael Johnston, as well as three Great Granddaughters, Jasmine, Sailor and Makenna. Two nephews, Mark and Frank Solley and his niece Jessica Solley-Hackmack (Armando). He was fond of his younger brother Doug Allen, his wife Sandy and their daughter, Rachel. Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Solley.
Please join us in celebrating his life at a Memorial service at Green Hills Historic Chapel on Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 at Noon. There will be visitation in "The Cove" on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275
He was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and served aboard the USS Loundes, carrying Marines to battle. He participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal as well as several other engagements. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Dallas Texas where he started the Roger Solley orchestra. In between engagements he learned to be an upholsterer making furniture. He married Leona in 1950 and they moved to Garland Texas. When the economy crashed in Texas in 1958 they moved to Hawthorne California and he continued upholstery by day and playing the drums by night in country western bands around southern California.
In 1976 he and Leona started selling real estate for Tarbell Realtors. Together, they were very successful and became office managers and brokers. They enjoyed traveling to Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii as often as they could. Roger and Leona (Lee) lived in Hollywood Riviera where their many parties became legendary. Two of the most gracious people you would ever hope to meet. Together again!
Roger leaves behind 4 children, Cathy Brown, Keith, Lee, John (Solley) and Johns wife, Bridgett. Two Granddaughters, Kelly and her husband Billie Oku and Ashlee and her husband Michael Johnston, as well as three Great Granddaughters, Jasmine, Sailor and Makenna. Two nephews, Mark and Frank Solley and his niece Jessica Solley-Hackmack (Armando). He was fond of his younger brother Doug Allen, his wife Sandy and their daughter, Rachel. Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Solley.
Please join us in celebrating his life at a Memorial service at Green Hills Historic Chapel on Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 at Noon. There will be visitation in "The Cove" on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275
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