Obituary of Bobby Ray Hollis, Sr.

Bobby Ray Hollis, Sr., 89, passed away on January 1, 2025, at Lake Wateree in Ridgeway, S.C., surrounded by family. Born on January 19, 1935, in Winnsboro, S.C., he graduated from Mount Zion Institute where he was known as “Catfish.” He was a life-long entrepreneur, world-class athlete, and all-around rock star husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Affectionately known as Grumpy (a derivative of Gramps) by family and close friends, he absolutely adored his family. He possessed a quick wit, instinctively knowing how to make people laugh and feel comfortable, remarkably even into his waning days. He was always curious about new ways to solve problems. While he earned his living as the founder of Beltline TV Sales and Service, he pursued many side projects. He hooked up a geothermal heat pump to a swimming pool to efficiently heat his home. He designed and installed a solar pool heater in the 1970s, long before solar energy became mainstream. He once combined three totaled cars to make one awesome Datsun convertible. Intrinsically motivated, he was a self-taught builder, bricklayer, mechanic, plumber, farmer, and electrician. He sang in a 1960’s and 70’s rock band, loved fast boats and riding motorcycles. He was a true jack of all trades with boundless energy.

He was an All-American in Masters Track and Field and holds the record in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:25.66. He was a second-place finisher in the 800-meter hurdle event at the Senior Olympics, not far off the world record pace for 55-year-olds. Having won hundreds of medals for foot races and track events, his impressive trophy case is legendary, as was his dedication to running. He continued training by riding his bicycle at least ten miles a day well into his late 80s.

Forever curious and true to himself, he lived life on his own terms. He grew up fishing with his father on “Eagles Nest Point” at Lake Wateree. He went on to lease and purchase the property, eventually building a home and retiring there.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of nearly 70 years, Daisy, a son Bobby Ray Hollis, Jr. (Cassandra), and daughters Virginia Hollis Boney (Steve), and Angela Hollis Finch. He is also survived by grandchildren Bobby Ray Hollis III (Blair), Travis Hollis (Emily), Charlotte Boney Norville, Charner Boney (Kristin), Ian Finch, and Brett Finch. He is also survived by great grandchildren Ainsley, Liam, and Paisley Hollis; Lizzie and Monroe Hollis; and Benjamin and Nathan Boney. He is also survived by his sister Joan Gay-Robinson (Willard) and Joanne Douglas, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Callie Porter Hollis and Hiram Franklin Hollis. He was also predeceased by his brother Paul Franklin (Sonny) Hollis, and sisters, Leila Scriber and Barbara Hollis Hasty.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The National Federation for the Blind (nfb.org). Powers Funeral Home is assisting the family. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Rock Bottom Pond in Ridgeway, SC. The family will remain there following the service until 5 to visit with friends and family.