Walter Truett Hollis

Walter Truett Hollis was born on October 23, 1919, in Apple Springs, TX, the son of Ora Young Hollis and James Walter Hollis. He graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX, with a B.S. degree in Natural Gas Engineering. He was employed for 37 years with El Paso Natural Gas Co., where he was Director of oil, gas and copper exploration and production upon retirement in 1977. Walter enlisted in the US Navy on January 18, 1942, following the Pearl Harbor attack, receiving his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy. He was assigned as Engineering Officer and served in the Pacific, Asiatic, and American Theatres during World War II in anti-submarine warfare. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on November 11, 1945, with the rank of Lieutenant, USNR, wherein he resumed work at EPNG.

Since June 1955, he has lived in El Paso, TX, a town he loved. He enjoyed listening to country music, especially when his son was performing. Walter was involved in athletics and loved sports, playing football, basketball, baseball and tennis in college, and golf in his later years. He especially loved U.T.E.P. Miner football and basketball.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lily Bernice Hollis, sisters Letha Turlington and Lois Kay Tottenham, and brother Gerald Hollis, and will be missed by his daughter Debra (Henry) Kelly of Anacortes, WA, son Gary (Julie) Hollis of El Paso, TX, and beautiful granddaughters Allison (Jeff) Cardwell of Austin, TX and Bailey and Kelsey Hollis of El Paso, TX. His family would also like to thank their loyal friend and caregiver of 23 years, Lupe Martinez.

Walter, also known as “W. T.”, “Truett”, or “Pop Pop”, will be deeply missed and always loved. He will be remembered as a loving, generous and devoted husband, father, grandfather and veteran, admired by his family, friends and acquaintances. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy or the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Martin Funeral Home Central, followed with a 2:30 p.m. graveside service at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors.