Alfred Lee Hollowell, Sr.

Mr. Alfred Lee Hollowell, Sr., affectionately known as “Al”, was born in Calhoun, Mississippi on May 9, 1935. He was the second of nine children born to Hudie and Myrtle Hollowell. He was raised to be respectful and responsible and was a very charismatic young man. The family relocated to Arkansas when he was young, and he was educated in the school system there.

After high school, Alfred made his commitment and joined the United States Army where he spent 20 years. During his long and distinguished career he earned many accolades including The Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service, Army Accommodation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medals, Overseas Ribbons, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He traveled the world in the military, including Germany and Vietnam, but he made his last post Key West, Florida, his home. Upon retiring as a Sergeant of the United States Army, he later joined Metro Dade County Police Dept. He was also a Monroe County Sheriff.

Alfred was joined in holy matrimony to Violet Rosalie Catlin on April 8, 1979 in Key West, Florida. She was truly the love of his life and he took a great deal of pride in seeing her happy. Alfred’s second love was his family, which is evidenced in the hundreds of pictures that he gathered of them and neatly organized into beautiful collages. He found immense joy spending time with them and could often be found with them gathered around while he told one of his stories. In short, he was LOVE and he poured into everyone around him. He was the PATRIARCH of the Hollowell family and his love and strength lives on through them.

#HollowellStrong

Alfred was very social and outgoing. He loved to gather in service, and to have a good time. He served as Post Commander of the VFW 6021, was Honor Guard as a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the Color Corp Assembly Commander. He was also a member of Peter Claver. He could often be found on the dance floor at the family reunion and Violet even traveled to Detroit every other year to attend the “Family and Friends” picnic and visit with family there. He loved Motown music and wouldn’t let you change the station while in his car. He was also a dedicated member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Alfred lived a long, full, and happy life. He loved good music, good food, and good company. In his down time he loved watching his wife’s favorite shows, Gunsmoke and The Price is Right and spending as much time as he could with family and friends.

On June 16, 2021 Alfred was called home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents Hudie and Myrtle Hollowell, his siblings Sammie Jewell Hardaway, Joe Louis Hollowell, Emmit Hollowell, Kathleen Hollowell McFarland, Claude D. Hollowell and Barbara Hollowell; Two sons, Alfred Hollowell, Jr. and Thurman Hollowell; Two granddaughters, Tia Hollowell and Celeste Williams Washington; and a special nephew Keith White, who was like a son.

Alfred leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife Violet R. Hollowell of Orlando, Florida. His children Willie Mae Washington and devoted son-in-law James Washington of Detroit, MI, Yvonne Latham of Forest City, AR, Carlos A. Rogers and devoted daughter-in-law Mercedes V. Rogers, and Andre M. Rogers of Orlando, FL; devoted nephew Kenny Lopez of Orlando, FL, who was his bonus son; Two sisters, Peggy Taylor of New York and Elnora White of Marion, AR; and two sisters-in-law, Elaine Hollowell of Palm Bay, FL, and Olivia Hollowell of McDonough, GA.

He also leaves fourteen grandchildren: Maiyia (Monique) George, Fonda Hollowell, and Hamilton Hollowell of Detroit, MI; Aaron Hollowell, Sidney Hollowell, and William Hollowell of Key West, FL; Nikisha (Chagoris) McBee of Orlando, FL, Kissi (Larry) Ortiz of TX, Noblessa Shine of SC, Brian (Lily)Valdez of Orlando, FL, Mark Anthony of Little Rock, AR, Calvin C. Lewis of Forest City, AR, and Lyle (Claire) Henry of Atlanta.

In addition to eighteen great grandchildren, nine great great grandchildren, a special niece, Vickie M. Hubbert of Nashville, TN, he also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.