Hollis Leland Lilley

Hollis Leland Lilley, 91, of Fred passed away November 22, 2021.

Born August 25, 1930 in Evergreen, Texas to Paul and Cordie Lilley, he lived in Fred for 68 years.  He retired from the Texas Highway Department with 25 years of service and then worked for Barry and Barry Sand as a dragline operator for ten years.  He served as the pastor for the South Spurger Baptist Church for fifteen years where he preached the gospel and led many to Christ.

Hollis enjoyed trot lining, camping and squirrel hunting with his favorite dog, Rusty.  An avid gardener, he shared his bounty with his many neighbors blessing them with fresh produce.  He did not like to watch television but could be found watching the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday afternoon and keeping up with the weather on the local news station.  Putting together 1,000 piece puzzles and building perch traps is what kept him young at heart.  He was a man who truly loved the Lord and his family.  “Praise the Lord” and “Thank You Jesus” was heard where ever he went.  Now he is rejoicing with the Lord.

Hollis was preceded in death by his mother, Cordie Nickerson; father, Paul Lilley; wife of 62 years, Norma Lilley; brother, Clephus Lilly and sister, Pauline Rushing.

He is survived by his loving children, Juanita Lilley Dyson, Charles “Butch “ Lilley, Aline Stephens and husband, Sherman, Brenda Lilley and Veronica Deckard; sister, Betty Jo Cryer,; brothers, Leon Lilley and Tommy Campbell; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 2 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Brandon Golden officiating.  Burial will follow at the Franks Branch Cemetery in Fred, Texas.  Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 pm until the time of the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Johnnie Dyson, Caleb Stephens, Charles Lilley, Blake Deckard, Dylin King, Zayne  Ogrodowicz, Brayden Lilley and Jathan Ferguson.  Honorary pallbearer will be Jesse Ryals.

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