Gary was born on July 6, 1947, in Belleville, Illinois, the son of Air Force Sergeant John Junior Hollister and Rose Margaret Hollister. His early years were shaped by military life, and in 1960 his family settled in Nashville. He graduated from Donelson High School in 1965, already known for his friendly nature and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone.
On August 31, 1968, Gary married the love of his life, Judy. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and showing up for people.
Gary wore many hats over the years—husband, father, coach, boss, and proud grandpa—and he excelled in every one of them. Never one to stop learning or setting goals, Gary achieved a long-held dream in 2014 when he earned his associate’s degree in Business from Aquinas College—an accomplishment he was deeply proud of.
Gary knew everyone, and more importantly, everyone knew him. He was well liked, well loved, and remembered for his warmth, generosity, and easygoing spirit. His presence filled rooms, and his absence will be felt just as deeply.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John Junior and Rose Margaret Hollister; his granddaughter, Leighton Rhea Williams; and his grandson, Eric Simon Hollister.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his sons, Bryan (Dee), Dave (Kelly), and Keith (Mary); his brother, John (Pat); his sister, Nancy (Ralph); his grandchildren Daniel, Jonathon, Steven, Jordan, Hayden, Sami, Brittany, Andrew, Austin, Ashton, Anna, Kirby, and Susanna Rose; and ten cherished great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. A second visitation will take place Saturday January 17, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Donelson, Tennessee, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary’s memory to Gentiva Hospice, Parkinson’s research, or a charity of your choice.
