HULSEY, Olen “Olie” Andrew, Jr.
TUCSON- Longtime Tucson resident, Olie Hulsey passed away, Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final days, and died peacefully with his loving wife, and devoted dog, by his side.
Olie was born on November 13, 1929, in Tuttle, Oklahoma, to Olen and Myrtle Hulsey. He spent his early days on the family farm, where he was the eldest of seven children. When the family relocated to Glendale, Arizona, in 1948, he began working as an auto mechanic. It was then, that he found his passion for all things automotive.
In 1951, Olie proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, during the Korean War. He was later awarded a Bronze Star, for heroic service during combat.
Upon his return to Arizona, Olie married and settled in Phoenix. He began building a very successful automotive and transmission repair shop, that later became an automotive parts warehouse (Mulkey Gear Sales). In 1971, he and his second wife Dee relocated to Tucson, opening a second warehouse location. He initially retired in 1981, but couldn’t stay away from the automotive industry. In 1985, he purchased an auto parts store in Marana. It was initially the Big A store, and later became Carquest. He retired again in 1995, but never gave up his love of auctions and cars.
After his retirement, Olie met and married his wife, Laurel. They made the most of their years together, traveling, pursuing common interests, and most of all just being happy.
Olie was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Dee; mother Myrtle and father Olen; and five of his siblings (Wilma June, Bill, Sharon, Jerry, and Wanda). He is survived by his wife, Laurel; daughters Marilu (Joe) and Annie (Daryl); brother J.T.; grandson Kasey (Stefanie) and granddaughter Katrina (Kevin); great-grandchildren Jake, Eloise, Joshua, and Samantha; beloved dog, Carrera; and many nieces and nephews.
A Military Honors Committal Service will be held at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Marana, on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that, In lieu of flowers, donations be made, in his name to the Disabled American Veterans.
Marilu, my heart grieves for you and your family. Take comfort in knowing that you all gave him so much love and had a chance to make memories. Tina
Dad had an eclectic life: His genuine curiosity and joy of discovery afforded him many activities and diverse interactions: raising two daughters, two grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly, working hard to build and keep his automotive businesses, caring and connecting with friends and family both near and far, welcoming son-in-laws as his own family, marveling at the antics of his grandkids, taking leisurely drives in the country, proudly cheering at the racetrack, relaxing at the cabin, traveling to new places, driving over sand dunes, celebrating holiday get-togethers, taking a “vacation” to harvest crops as a ranch hand, meeting friends for lunch, diagnosing a confounding mechanical problem, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, going to auctions, sitting and talking with his beloved dog, the list goes on…. But most of all, I remember him as my dad, a man I loved, respected and enjoyed having adventures with. It’s hard to believe that he is no longer a phone call away. Goodbye, for now, Dad. You will live on in my heart, until we meet again. Love, Marilu
It's with grateful hearts that we remember the many fun, meaningful and happy times shared together with Dad over the years. It's so very hard to comprehend that he is no longer a phone call away for advice, chatter and genuinue parental interaction. I know there will be so many times that I'll wish I had listened more carefully to him about car issues and how to evaluate and prioritize events in my life. He was so good at noticing small details and finding solutions "outside of the box". I treasure the creativity, positivity and ability to accept challenges that he imparted to me and my children. His lessons about life, interacting with people and taking time to listen, observe, enjoy and learn from this beautiful world around us will never be forgotten. I'll love you, Daddy, always, and take strength in my belief that we will have much rejoicing in Heaven together in the future. Thank you for your years of love and inspiration. You'll be in my heart forever. Love, Marilu
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Marilu, my heart grieves for you and your family. Take comfort in knowing that you all gave him so much love and had a chance to make memories. Tina
Dad had an eclectic life: His genuine curiosity and joy of discovery afforded him many activities and diverse interactions: raising two daughters, two grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly, working hard to build and keep his automotive businesses, caring and connecting with friends and family both near and far, welcoming son-in-laws as his own family, marveling at the antics of his grandkids, taking leisurely drives in the country, proudly cheering at the racetrack, relaxing at the cabin, traveling to new places, driving over sand dunes, celebrating holiday get-togethers, taking a “vacation” to harvest crops as a ranch hand, meeting friends for lunch, diagnosing a confounding mechanical problem, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, going to auctions, sitting and talking with his beloved dog, the list goes on…. But most of all, I remember him as my dad, a man I loved, respected and enjoyed having adventures with. It’s hard to believe that he is no longer a phone call away. Goodbye, for now, Dad. You will live on in my heart, until we meet again. Love, Marilu
It's with grateful hearts that we remember the many fun, meaningful and happy times shared together with Dad over the years. It's so very hard to comprehend that he is no longer a phone call away for advice, chatter and genuinue parental interaction. I know there will be so many times that I'll wish I had listened more carefully to him about car issues and how to evaluate and prioritize events in my life. He was so good at noticing small details and finding solutions "outside of the box". I treasure the creativity, positivity and ability to accept challenges that he imparted to me and my children. His lessons about life, interacting with people and taking time to listen, observe, enjoy and learn from this beautiful world around us will never be forgotten. I'll love you, Daddy, always, and take strength in my belief that we will have much rejoicing in Heaven together in the future. Thank you for your years of love and inspiration. You'll be in my heart forever. Love, Marilu
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Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.