Reverend Dr. William Kenneth Hollar Jr.

Born May 16, 1939, in Newton, N.C., to Henrietta and William Kenneth Hollar Sr., he was raised in Claremont, where his roots and faith took deep hold. He graduated from Bunker Hill High School and continued his education at Lenoir-Rhyne College, where he studied history.

He earned his Master of Divinity from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio. It was during this time that he met his wife, Carol, and together they built a life grounded in partnership, faith, and service. From the beginning, they were inseparable - true partners in all things. Bill’s devotion to her was unwavering, and he cared for her with tenderness and deep commitment throughout their life together.

Bill later completed his Doctorate of Divinity at Drew University, with a thesis focused on death and dying - a reflection of his lifelong commitment to walking with others through life’s most sacred passages.

Bill’s ministry began with his internship at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Wheeling, West Virginia. He then served Fellowship Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Florida, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and later Church of the Resurrection in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Succasunna, New Jersey, each congregation shaping him as he, in turn, guided them with his steady presence, thoughtful preaching, and deep compassion.

Bill continued to serve faithfully as an interim and supply pastor throughout his retirement. Upon retirement, he returned to Claremont, and re-embraced his childhood congregation of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with profound gratitude and love. He was known within the church and community as a symbol of grace, acceptance, and a living example of the principles that shaped his ministry.

Beyond the pulpit, Bill embraced the wonders of God’s creation. He hiked significant portions of the Appalachian Trail, traveled across five continents, and explored the United States. A proud Eagle Scout, he served as chaplain at multiple Scout camps, nurturing faith and leadership in young people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henrietta and William Kenneth Hollar Sr., and his wife, Carol Hollar.

Bill is survived by his sister, Freda Spalding of Olympia, WA, and brother, Robert Hollar of Conover, NC; daughter Dawn Weisenberger and son-in-law, Jay of Pineville; sons, David and daughter-in-law Sue of Washington, DC, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Jackie of Reading, PA, Michael and daughter-in-law Ivanna of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Andrew Weisenberger, Megan Weisenberger, Perri Hollar, Erin Hollar, Ella Hollar, Vasco Hollar, and Justine Hollar. His legacy of compassion, curiosity, faith, and service lives on in each of them, and in all whose lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Claremont on Friday, November 7, at 2 pm, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service in St. Marks Lutheran Church sanctuary at 3pm. The burial will follow at St. Mark’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 550, Claremont, NC 28610.