Henry Hollis, Sr.

"One's life is a living testimony to the goodness of God's grace and mercy through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; therefore, we should live life not to fulfill our selfish pleasures but to honor and glorify God," declared Henry Hollis, Sr. On April 15, 1939, Henry Hollis, Sr. was born to the parents of Jessie Mae Denmon and Henry Mitchell. Their son was the youngest of two children. He attended Aycock High School in Rockdale, Texas during the times of segregation. Henry felt times were hard but always sensed there was way to overcome it. As a young boy, Henry bailed cotton for income. He was a hard worker and at one point his mother had to demand for him to slow down before he injured himself. While others urged Mrs. Jessie Mae to let him work, Henry complied with his mother's instructions because he felt her love and protection over his life. Henry retained his passion to work hard and contribute to the family. While in school, he worked as a cook and driver. Later in life, he served in the US Army Reserve. He has always been talented with his hands and it was seen through his occupation as a mechanic and a "fixer" around the house. In later years, he returned to driving and worked as an over-the-road driver hauling heavy equipment. In about 1979, he started working as a driver for BFI, where he retired after 25 years. Henry said "During my life, alcohol and smoking were strongholds. I mention this because once I was a captive but now I am free. God used my circumstances in life to draw me closer to Him. He allowed me to fall in love with Lillian and through that relationship my God revealed His love to me. I am so thankful for a loving and supporting wife." In 1953, he met Lillian Jones who later became his wife. They celebrate the blessing of ten children - Dwight (deceased), Barbara (Tommie), Dina, Danny, Diane (Edward), Dennis (Shelia), Boris (Andrea), Debra (Torrace), Henry, Jr. (Beverly), and Patricia (Edward). Starting in 2011, Henry battled with lung cancer. Henry stated, "God has already shown me that through Him all things are possible". He never feared what was to come from his illness; rather, he knew that whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1). Henry recalled his battles in life and said he tried to stop drinking and smoking on his own but it wasn't until he confessed his sins to God and asked Him to help him that he realized that God would elevate him above any circumstance for His glory. Therefore he had peace that God would do miraculous things during this time of his life. Henry said he was so thankful that God allowed him to celebrate life with his wife and children. He treasured the family dinners and the time shared with loved ones. He repeatedly said "live life". During his illness he stood on God's word - Because He loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. (Psalms 91:14-16). Henry acknowledged that at God's appointed time His Father would allow him to live life eternally with Him. "I hope that my testimony will be a revelation to someone so that you will know that God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. Through Jesus Christ, God wants to redeem us from our sins and reconcile us to Him. I pray that my life's testimony will edify the body of Christ and glorify my Father, which is in heaven, where I am resting in peace with Him now." Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9) Henry Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Mitchell and Jessie Mae Denmon, his oldest son Dwight, and several grandchildren (Nyiesha Gipson, Kehjuan Cooper, and Henry Hollis III). He leaves to cherish his memories - his wife, Lillian, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his aunt, Ruby Banks, his sister Bertha L. Cline, and his cousin Thelma Wright (Leroy), nieces, nephews, and host of other family members and friends.