Mr. Ulysses S. "Sonny" Jarvis, Jr. Son, Husband, Brother, Father, Granddaddy, Uncle, Friend, and Educator was born on July 22, 1929 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the eldest child of the late Ulysses S. Jarvis, Sr. and the late Anna Gadsden Jarvis.

EDUCATION

Ulysses graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1937, where he played drums on the Wilkinson High School Marching Band. After graduating from high school he enrolled at Claflin (now Claflin University) in 1953 for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force. After serving five years in the US Air Force, he enrolled at South Carolina State College (now South Carolina State University) where he received his degree in Business Administration and Social Studies Education in 1957. Ulysses earned his master's degree from South Carolina State and earned thirty-plus hours at the University of Miami.

MATRIMONY

Ulysses met and married the love of his life, the former Dorothy Dawkins of Edgefield, South Carolina on May 14, 1955.  Their lovely union was blessed with one son, Michael Palmer.

CAREER

Ulysses' life was devoted to teaching for many years. He taught high school in Orangeburg, Clarendon, Florence and Dorchester School Districts. He served as a Principal in several school districts and as Assistant Superintendent in the Dorchester County Schools. He later served as an adjunct professor at Claflin University, Benedict College, Denmark Technical College, and South Carolina State University, his beloved Alma Mater. He served in various administrative capacities at Denmark Technical College, including Dean of Students, and worked in the Business and Finance Department.

CHURCH, AFFILIATIONS, AND SERVICE

At an early age Ulysses dedicated his life to Christ, and joined Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was a life-long member. He served on several work area committees and was a faithful member of the United Methodist Men. He was fond of telling others how the members funded and built the current Gothic Revival-style church building over many years, central role the church played in the "Movement" for Civil Rights in Orangeburg.

Ulysses was an avid SC State University Bulldogs supporter and was a member of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association-Greater Orangeburg Chapter, and The STATE Club. A long-time member of the NAACP, he was an active member of Delta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

In 1988, he was installed as a member of the Orangeburg County Development Commission and chaired the Finance and Personnel Committees. He was selected as a 1989 Ambassador for the South Carolina Economic Development Commission by the State Development Board. In 1994, Ulysses was appointed to represent the Orangeburg area on the District 7 Commission for two years.

As the eldest member of the famed Jarvis Brothers Quintet, he sang first tenor with his brothers. Well known for their intricate arrangements and complex harmonies, the group entertained and inspired audiences across the country and abroad and received numerous accolades for their contributions to the preservation of the authentic Negro Spiritual.

Ulysses never met a stranger. He was an avid South Carolina State University football enthusiast, and he enjoyed playing cards with his beloved "Four Aces" card club. Ulysses enjoyed travelling with his family and friends. He loved playing the piano and singing, but his favorite genre of music was jazz. He especially enjoyed introducing novices to the jazz masters, and hosting jam sessions with some of his favorite performers in the back yard. Ulysses was also known as "Mr. Fashion." Regardless of the occasion, he always wore suits and was the only person who dared to "wear white" year-round.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Reginald A. Jarvis, Sr. and Donald D. Jarvis, Sr.

Those left to cherish fond memories of Mr. Ulysses S. "Sonny" Jarvis, Jr. are his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Dorothy D. Jarvis of the home; one son, Michael P. (Florenda Gail) Jarvis of Orangeburg, SC; two grandsons, Michael U. Jarvis of Simpsonville, SC and Marcus B. Jarvis of Greensboro, NC; and a sister, Priscilla L. Jarvis, two brothers, Anthony L. Jarvis and Rogers G. (Alberta) Jarvis, and a sister-in-law, Sadie Jarvis, all of Orangeburg, SC. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.