John Robert Hollingsworth

John was born on March 28, 1947 to Henry and Eva Hollingsworth in Dallas, TX. After John graduated from Abilene High School in Abilene, KS, he joined the Marine Corp and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

John devoted his career to aviation, a passion that developed in his early childhood years. Following his service to our great nation, John followed his heart and joined the airline industry where he spent 11 years as a flight dispatcher for Braniff International Airlines in Dallas, TX. Braniff filed for bankruptcy and abruptly terminated operations in May, 1983. John served Airborne Express for a short time before joining the Flight Department at Federal Express in 1985. John spent over 30 years as a Flight Dispatcher at the Memphis Hub.

John could often be found studying aviation. He was an avid reader of Aviation Week and Space Technology. He earned his pilot license in Dallas, TX while serving Braniff International Airlines. At one time, he owned a single engine Piper Tripacer that he hangered at a small airport outside of Dallas. He also collected small scale models of both military and commercial planes.

John also had a passion for service to veterans. He understood the hardships of serving and easily related to the men and women serving in the military. He would often open his heart and his home by hosting members of the military that were not able to travel home for holidays. He also gave generously to many organizations that assist wounded veterans.

John loved the Lord and served the church in many capacities throughout his life. He helped plant several churches in the greater Memphis area. Most recently he served as an Elder for Park Village Christian Church in Memphis.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce, and his 3 children, Jonathan (Janelle), Justin (Angel) and Jason (Candice). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren including Cameron, Skylar, Austin, Aspen and Brooke.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Hollingsworth and Eva Hollingsworth (Elder).

A celebration of life will be held at Park Village Christian Church in Memphis, TN on June 10.. Visitation will begin at 1 PM and will be followed by a service at 2 PM. As John prioritized touching the hearts and souls of others through service to the Lord, the family asks that you do the same - go out and touch the hearts, souls and lives of those around you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Ste 300, Arlington, VA 22201. Since the Vietnam War ended, thousands of Vietnam veterans have suffered due to Agent Orange exposure, PTSD and other illnesses as a result of their service. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) believes all those who served in Vietnam should be honored and remembered for their service. The In Memory program enables the families and friends of those who came home and later died the opportunity to have them be forever memorialized.