James Hollars Obituary

James Wilson Hollars, a resident of Midland since 1969, gently entered into eternal life with his Lord, Saturday, November 3, 2007 with his 3 children and several grandchildren gathered around him. He was born October 29, 1914 to Mamie and Dee Hollars in Bonita, Texas. He grew up in Vernon, Texas and attended Texas Tech from 1934 to 1935. On April 5, 1936 he married Evelyn McCasland.

Wilson moved his family to Lubbock in 1952 and worked for Wright Kerr as a route supervisor for Tom's Peanuts. They were members of Highland Baptist Church for 17 years where he served as a deacon. In 1969 Wilson and Evelyn moved to Midland and formed Hollars Tom's Sales where many people knew him as the "Nut Man." They joined First Baptist Church in Midland where he also served as a deacon. He joined the Downtown Lions Club in 1969, had 100% attendance, and was the top salesman for the Pancake Jamboree for several years before his stroke in 2001. He was awarded several awards even after that. Wilson was an avid Texas Tech fan and could be seen wearing a Tech shirt or a Tech hat anytime at the Mabee Center where he lived for the past 5 1/2 years.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years; a son, John Dee; his parents; 3 sisters; and 2 brothers.

Wilson is survived by his children, James Hollars and his wife Shirley, of Ft. Worth, TX; Judy Davis and her husband Bill, of Nashville, TN; Joyce Wynne, of Midland, TX; siblings, Vaye Barnes, Bill Hollars, and Bob Hollars, all of Plainview, TX; Eurice Lee White, of Vernon, TX; Barbara Hefner, of Lubbock, TX; he was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the former Trinity Tower, the Mabee Center at Manor Park, Hospice of Midland, and his close friend George Furman, a Hospice Volunteer for their kindness and caring hearts.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bob Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow at Lubbock Cemetery with a Graveside Service at 3:30 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place online condolences please visit www.mem.com.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in honor of Mr. Hollars to The Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029, or The Texas Lions Club Eyeglasses Recycling Center, 200 Plaza Street, Midland, TX 79701.