Ronald Ray Hollister, known to friends and family as Ron, passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on October 4, 1939, in Avant, Oklahoma, to Goldie Mae (Thompson) and Ray Orris Hollister, Ron grew up in a family with limited resources. Yet, through his determination, he was able to give his own family a better life.
In 1955, Ron moved with his family to Snyder, Texas where he completed high school before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1957. Upon returning to Snyder, Ron met Janice White, whom he married, and together they raised three sons.
Ron was the first in his family to graduate from college, a milestone he was incredibly proud of. He was passionate about learning and valued education deeply, something he later passed on to his sons.
In his professional life, Ron's greatest accomplishment was owning and operating Hollister's Department Store in Albany, Texas. His charisma, excellent salesmanship, and fashion sense made him a beloved figure in the community. He was known for dressing impeccably and having a keen eye for style, always looking sharp and on point. Outside of work, Ron had a great love for baseball and coached little league teams, often spending hours playing catch with his eldest son, Mark, after long days at the store.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Ron dedicated countless hours to restoring and maintaining his prized vehicles, especially his beloved Volkswagen Bugs and Hudsons. His love for cars was not just a hobby but a true passion, and he took great pride in keeping them in pristine condition.
In 2014, Ron became part of the Buffalo Gap community, where he attended the Buffalo Gap Church of Christ. Through the church, Ron formed deep, meaningful friendships and found spiritual nourishment that sustained him in his later years.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie Mae and Ray Orris Hollister, and his two brothers, Estel Eugene and Donald Rex Hollister. He is survived by his four children, Irma Donahue, Mark Hollister and his wife Christina, Jeff Hollister and his wife Lydia, and Jason Hollister, along with eight grandchildren: Celeste, Stephan, Eddie, Lisa, Skylar, Hannah, Katy, Andrew, and Maevis.
Ron's legacy of hard work and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Funeral services will be held 11:00AM Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Buffalo Gap Church of Christ, 741 Litel St, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Buffalo Gap Church of Christ
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