Aubrey Otis Hollis

Blackie was born November 1st, 1924 in Munday, Texas. His family later moved to Sweetwater, Texas, where he completed his school years. He served in WWII in the Army Air Force, where he spent three years as a Crew Chief on the P38 fighter aircraft. This is where he was given the nickname “Blackie” by his Captain, which stayed with him all his life.

After the war, Blackie moved his family to Fort Worth and started work at the Convair plant (later General Dynamics), building airplanes. He worked on the B-36, B-58, F-11 and F-16, traveling to many different Air Force bases, both in the U.S. and abroad, conducting flight tests. He spent 42 years there, retiring in 1987 from General Dynamics as Manager of Final Assembly and Field Operations and Electronics. Blackie loved his work and looked forward to it every day.

In 1958, he met and married Alice Caudle. He called her “Miss Alice,” and they had 60 wonderful years together. One of the things they treasured most was waltzing together. Together they raised five sons and a daughter, and he was always involved with the kids’ activities. When the children were young, the family started camping and boating. Blackie called his boat “Ole Yellar,” and nothing made him happier than teaching his kids, their friends, and later his grandkids to water ski.

After retirement, Blackie and Alice decided to “full-time RV.” They toured every state, saw this beautiful country, and made so many friends from all walks of life. Once they had finished RVing, they continued to spend their winters at their home in the Texas Valley, enjoying dancing and golfing with friends. In the summers, Blackie enjoyed volunteering at the Benbrook Par 3 golf course and playing golf with his buddies, who later spoiled him by teeing up his ball so that he could continue to play.

Blackie was a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 60 years and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite.

Blackie is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Bessie Hollis, a brother, sister, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and grandson. He is survived by his wife, Alice, sons John (Barb), Charles, Loyd (Mary Lynn), Tim, and daughter Tammy (Kurt), 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 2pm at Laurel Land Chapel of Chimes.

Service to follow at 3pm.