Hulden Hollis

First Sergeant Hulden G. Hollis, a devoted soldier, husband, father, and friend, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on May 29, 1939, in Roberta, Georgia, to the late Mr. Willie Lee Hollis and Marie Gibson Hollis. He attended Crawford County Comprehensive Training School and, at an early age, became a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

At the age of 16, Hulden enlisted in the United States Army, dedicating his life to duty, honor, and service. During his distinguished 30-year military career, he earned numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons, including: Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (9 Awards), Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster).  Hulden served with the Army Air Defense Command, rising to the rank of Senior Sergeant and later retiring as First Sergeant. Throughout his career, he traveled the world, experiencing different cultures and embracing the opportunity to serve his country with unwavering commitment.

In March 1959, Hulden met a young lady named Ethel, who stole his heart. They were united in marriage for 16 years and were blessed with two beautiful children: Jacquelyne Marie and Gene Andre.

In May of 1979, Hulden married Jeanne M. Thompson, and together they built a beautiful life. They raised his two children while embarking on a journey that took them from New Jersey to Germany, Homestead, Florida, and Karlsruhe, where Hulden proudly served with the U.S. Army Missile Command.

After retiring in February 1986 from Fort Bragg following 30 years of service, Hulden made North Carolina his home. Not one to rest for long, Hulden worked for 15 years at Sears Roebuck. Later, he found fulfillment at Fort Bragg Sport and Clay, working for 5 years, where he indulged in his passion for skeet shooting.

Hulden cherished his Friday mornings at the gun range, surrounded by his “shooting buddies,” sharing stories, laughter, and friendly competition. His shotguns were among his most prized possessions, and he shared many jokes with his longtime friend, Mr. Phillip Futrell, the owner of a local gun store.

A man of deep faith and patriotism, Hulden loved God, his family, and his country. He enjoyed skeet shooting, collecting guns, traveling, reading, researching, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Though North Carolina was his home for many years, Roberta, Georgia, always held a special place in his heart. He never needed much of an excuse to hop on his Harley and ride back home to visit family and friends.

Hulden was preceded in death by his two brothers, William Hollis and Randy Howard, and two sisters, Mattie Joe Hollis Smith and Mary Lene Hollis Danielly.

On October 26, 2025, God looked around His garden and found an empty space. He then looked upon Hulden’s weary face, knowing the climb had been hard. He closed his tired eyes and said, "Peace be Thine." Hulden Green Hollis was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle who loved his family deeply.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Jacquelyne Marie Hollis of Selma, NC; his son, Gene Andre Hollis of Fayetteville, NC; brothers, Mr. Larry (Junel) Hollis of Macon, GA, and Mr. Joel Hollis of Roselle Park, NJ; sister, Ms. Annie Jewel Jordan of Macon, GA; grandchildren, Ricci Barreto, Jamie (Tiffany) Hollis, Vincent Cumbo, Tyler Racquel Hollis, and Wyatt Hollis; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Nylah, Nazziah, Annabelle, Mason, and Colton; and his adopted family, 1st Sergeant (Ret.) Robert Edmondson (Ulrike) and their son, Kevin of Fayetteville, NC. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Rather than mourn his passing, let us celebrate his remarkable life. Remember him with a smile when you watch an old western, hear the rumble of a Harley-Davidson, shoot a round of skeet, or see a soldier standing tall in uniform.

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