Bruce Howard Hollister

Bruce Howard Hollister flew his last flight to the Lord on January 31st, 2026. He was loved and admired by many! He was an exceptional Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, USAF Fighter Pilot, and Airline Pilot.

CAPTAIN Bruce Hollister passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026 in the arms of his wife. Bruce was 77 years young. Although a long-time resident of Williamsburg, he was born in Hollywood, California to Don and June Hollister, and raised in the Los Angeles area. He graduated from San José State University in 1971 and entered the US Air Force pursuing his dream to become a pilot. While in the Air Force he earned 2 Master’s degrees in Aeronautics and Aviation Management.

Bruce demonstrated outstanding skills in pilot training and was selected to be an elite T-37 Instructor Pilot for his first assignment. He later transitioned to the OV-10 Bronco twin turboprop as a Forward Air Controller in Sembach Air Base, Germany. Bruce found his calling as he transitioned to the F-4E Phantom II. He flew with the 39th Tactical Fighter Squadron, George Air Force Base, in California. Bruce was admired and respected by all his squadron mates; he built a reputation as a gifted fighter pilot.

In 1985 Bruce left the Air Force to fly commercially with Pacific Southwest Airlines, later transitioning to US Airways and finally to American Airlines, both domestically and internationally. Bruce’s first job was at McDonald’s, but every job starting in 1971 involved flying, spanning a career in the air of more than 40 years.

In 1982, Bruce was introduced to the love of his life, Cathe Corbett, and they married in1986. They settled in the LA area for 12 years. In 1998, they moved to Williamsburg, VA where they enjoyed living near Cathe’s family. Bruce retired in Williamsburg and spent the remainder of his life volunteering and spoiling his family.

Bruce always held a strong passion for flying, traveling, and pursuing activities with family. As a child, he often camped at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. That tradition carried through into fatherhood with many a trip to camp under the stars. Bruce loved boating and taught his boys to water ski at an early age. Bruce had three wonderful boys: Kevin, Michael, and Ryan. As a family, they toured the world and had some wonderful family experiences.

Fair winds Bruce, as you climb to heights unseen above the clouds to touch the face of God!

Bruce is survived by his wife Cathe; his sons, Kevin, Michael, and Ryan; six grandchildren, his sister Donna Chapman, his 57 Chevy Bel Air and 81 Corvette. Bruce is also survived by many friends and family in the Williamsburg area and all over the world!