LtCol Lawrence Lee Hollie, USAF Retired's Obituary
LtCol Lawrence Lee Hollie, USAF Retired, passed away on 11 August 2024 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and a broken heart from the recent loss of his beloved wife of 55 years, Gloria Hollie.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Luther and Irma Hollie, 11 brothers and sisters, LM Hollie Jr, Frances Conner, James Earl Hollie, Vernon Hollie, Juanita Earnest, Christine Earnest, Collen Clevenger, Ray Hollie, Roger Dale Hollie, Billie Gafa, and Gary Hollie and two sons, LtCol James Franklin Hollie, USAF Retired, and William Lee Hollie.
He is survived by one sister Fay Kastigar, one son Chief Petty Officer Andrew Brian Hollie, US Navy Retired, seven grandchildren Crystal, Brandon, Trent, Nicholas, Joplin, Emma and Morgan, two great grand children Bennet and Ruby, two daughter in laws Donna Hollie and Monica Hollie and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
LtCol Hollie was part of the third graduating class from the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 1961, with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and rating of navigator. After completing pilot training, he served multiple tours in the US, two in West Germany, and one in Viet Nam. While in Viet Nam, he logged 195 combat missions flying the Cessna 01 Bird Dog as an airborne forward air controller. During one of these missions, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. His final flight in Viet Nam resulted in a crash due to a mechanical failure. After recovering from his injuries, he went on to fly the U-3, U-4, T-29, and C-131 aircraft in support of the USAF Academy mission. Throughout his career, he accumulated more than 7,000 flying hours in eight different types of aircraft.
After retirement LtCol Hollie tested several career options. He chose the rewarding position with SRVS (Shelby Residential and Vocational Services) where he trained and found jobs for handicapped clientele. He was also active as a door greeter at Bellevue Baptist church and was instrumental in keeping the members of Faith and Fellowship Life Group informed of prayer requests, meetings, outings and other various news. He served his high school classmates as the treasurer for multiple class reunions, honoring East High Class of 1957.
Lawrence or as he was called by his grandkids, Papa, will be greatly missed by family and friends. He loved his family and his country and gave them his best.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, August 31 at 12:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. all in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park funeral Home. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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