Charles R. Hollis

To celebrate the life of Charles Hollis, a memorial service will be held in his honor at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Diana, Texas with Bro. Bobby Atwell and Bro. Marc Minter officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. Charles Robert Hollis left this world to be in heaven with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 7, 2014. He was born to Edd Hiram and Mattie Lou Tooke Hollis on August 10, 1938 in Marshall Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan Harkey Hollis. They were married on July 28, 1960 in Karnack, Texas. During his lifetime Charles served his country in the Army (1961-1963). He worked for the Made-Rite company as a distributor for many years. He will fondly be remembered as "the Dr. Pepper man" by many. Charles transitioned to a cross-country big rig driver for several companies. He retired from Custom Commodities of Gilmer, where he earned an "Accident Free Million Miles Award". In 2014, he was named the Gilmer Buckeye Fan of the Year; an honor we all know was well deserved. He was also recently presented with his fifty year Masonic certificate. Charles coached his sons and many other Gilmer area boys in baseball. He enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandsons, even traveled to New Zealand on a hunt of a lifetime. He loved to camp and fish with family and friends. "Charlie" enjoyed working in his yard raising roses, cutting firewood and especially helping people. He had several nicknames, "Bear" in high school, "Frosty" while with the Made-Rite company, and "Snake Eyes" while truck driving. However, he loved being called "Pap-Paw" the most. In addition to his wife Joan, Charles is survived by sons Darin Hollis and wife, Shelly, of Diana; Damon Hollis and wife, Dee, of Gilmer; and Windell Hollis of Gilmer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jarrad Hollis and wife, Whitney; Meagan Campbell and husband, Ryan; Haden Trexler and husband Jay; Skylar Hollis, Brandon Hollis, Kate Downing, Grace Downing, Maggie Downing and Demi Hollis. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren Kinlee Campbell and Luke Hollis. His surviving siblings include a brother, Chester Hollis and wife, Pat; sisters Mary Dean, Patsy Laird, Jimmie Lou Leming and husband, Thomas; Barbara Young and Eva Robinson; sister-in-law Jane Davidson and husband Johnnie. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends, especially his fishing buddies, survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers George "Bud" Hollis and James Galen Hollis; sisters Estelle Fabriguze, Earnestine Mayfield, Jo Melhorn , Nellie Frances Welch and Peggy Hunter. There is no formal visitation scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be made to the Building Fund, FBC Diana, 1759 US 259, Diana, Texas 75640.