HAMPSTEAD — Durwood James Hollis, age 82, entered Heaven’s gate January 30, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Durwood was born on September 20th, 1939, in Onslow County, son of the late James Elmon & Hettie Lanier Hollis. He graduated from Topsail High School in 1959 and lived in the Hampstead area his entire life. Durwood was a General Contractor for 40 years in Hampstead and surrounding areas. After retirement he was co-owner of Hollis Footers with his son, Jamie. In his later years he enjoyed woodworking and making gifts for his family and friends, particularly items out of cedar trees he pulled from Virginia Creek behind his house. During his life, Durwood enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and 2 mission trips to Brazil. His favorite place was the Great Smoky Mountains where he made many special family memories with his children and grandchildren especially Maggie Valley, NC where he and Cheryl owned a house for years. Durwood was a true Christian man and a member of Barlow Vista Baptist church where he was ordained as a Deacon September 19, 1976 and honored as a Deacon Emeritus in later years.
Durwood met the love of his life, Cheryl Benton, when she was just 15 and drove over 60 miles to Winnabow, NC from Holly Ridge, NC to see her, visiting her 5 times before her mother would come out to meet him but once she did, he quickly won a favored place in her heart. Durwood and Cheryl married in 1962 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this coming July 15th. He lived a life with God first, Cheryl second, Children and Grandchildren next and a large circle of extended family and friends. Durwood was a true southern gentleman, always willing to help anyone in need. He always had a smile on his face, never spoke an unkind word, and always gave big hugs. One of his favorite gifts to take friends was collards from his front yard collard patch! He also loved being outside, working in the yard or garden, digging big holes with the tractor and dragging his john boat down to the creek to paddle around. Most recently he gathered a half bushel of oysters, one of his favorite foods, and fell out of the boat while doing so! He will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him and forever remembered as a great husband, daddy, D’da and friend.
Durwood is survived by his wife Cheryl, 3 children, Stephanie Hollis Ottaway of Little River, SC, Durwood James Hollis, Jr. (Jamie) & wife Stephanie of Hampstead NC, Heather Hollis Bordeaux & husband Jimmy of Wilmington, NC. He was privileged to have a daughter by choice Pam Padgett & husband Wayne of Hampstead, NC. His greatest blessing was his Grandchildren – Addison Ottaway (Dave), Trevor Ottaway (Gene), Tyler Kelley (Melissa), Cameron Hollis, Brandon Hollis, Abigail Hollis, Walker Haley, Madison Haley, Kaleigh Bordeaux, Cameron Bordeaux, Alex Padgett (Marley) and 2 great grandchildren by choice, Wells & Brock Padgett. Also, Brother Eddie Earl Hollis (Linda), sisters Vernice Mathis and Marie Padgett. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother EJ Hollis and sister Elva Lou Groves. He also leaves behind his faithful companion pug, “Knox”, who was always by his side.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Barlow-Vista Baptist Church Sanctuary, 22340 US 17 North, Hampstead, NC 28443. A Celebration of Durwood’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday afternoon, February 2, at Barlow Vista Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Service will be officiated by Reverend Marty Johnston and other lifelong friends and family members. Pall Bearers will be his grandsons, Addison, Trevor, Tyler, Cameron, Brandon, Walker and Alex. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Jackie Talbert, Carl Rochelle, Don Horn, Kent Ottaway, Wayne Padgett, Gene Johnson, Eddie Hollis and Alan Cutler. Flowers are appreciated, or in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Barlow Vista Baptist Church Cemetery Fund 22340 HWY 17 N Hampstead, NC 28443; or Topsail High School Baccalaureate Bible Fund c/o 1070 Sloop Point Road Hampstead, NC 28443.
*Masks are not mandatory but encouraged for those that so desire.*
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
