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Hollis -- Gerald John Hollis died Sunday morning March 28, 1999 at his home in Carlsbad, New Mexico, surrounded by his wife and children. Mr. Hollis was born in Madison, Kansas October 16, 1919 to Gertie Reed Hollis and John Hollis. He married Ruth Alene Moss on January 4, 1941 in Sayre, Oklahoma. His lifetime encompassed many accomplishments. He had been a carpenter, farmer, millwright, welder, gifted gunsmith and knifemaker. He was an avid hunter and lifetime member of the NRA. Honor, truth, love of God and family were the hallmarks of his life of 79 years. Gerald worked in the oil fields of Kellerville, Texas; in the Boeing Aircraft Plant in Seattle, WA. He was also employed at the Hanford Installation in Richland, WA. Upon retiring from Hanford he was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After serving on Okinawa he returned home in 1946 to start a dairy farm in Eastern Oklahoma. Gerald then chose to leave the dairy business and start a trailer building business in Sayre, OK. Mr. Hollis then began following jobs throughout Texas and New Mexico never unemployed or unable to care for his family. He and his family moved to Carlsbad, NM for the first time in 1951. In Carlsbad, he worked for Steams and Rogers Construction, where he helped build local potash mine facilities; for John D. Carr building houses and then for National Potash Mine until 1972, when he suffered an on the job injury. Unwilling to succumb to any sort of disability he began gunsmithing full time, opening his own gunsmith shop. Later, at the age of 67, he decided to learn a new craft-the art of knifemaking. Through self education and attending course work offered by the American Blacksmith Society in Washington, Arkansas he once more attained proficiency and skill in his craft. His dedication to excellence showed in all his craftsmanship and creativity. Gerald is survived by Ruth, his wife of 58 years; daughter, Patricia R. Hollis of Alexandria, VA; son, John L. Hollis of Albuquerque; daughter, Linda K. Wright and husband, Tommy of Snyder, TX; son, Frank E. Hollis and wife, Nancy of Anderson, AK; daughter, Marsha G. West and husband, Rocky of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Sherry A. Lynch and husband, Bill of Carlsbad. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Carlsbad on Wednesday, March 31, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers are Justin Kirkes, Daniel Kirkes, Don Paul Johnson, Marion Reeves, Charlie Gray and Leo Evans. West Funeral Home will be handling services. Memorial contributions may be made to The National Rifle Association, 1600 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 or The Vista Care Hospice, 601 N. Canal St., Carlsbad, NM 88220.
        Published on: Tue March 30, 1999