Nesbit O. Hollis

Nesbit O. Hollis, 96, of Stanley, passed away peacefully at the Robin Johnson Hospice House on October 7, 2024. He was born in Mount Holly, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Hollis. He was married to Louise Skidmore Hollis in 1953 (71 years) and they had 2 sons, Michael and Timothy.

Mr. Hollis was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Stanley, where he served as a Deacon and served in other roles in the church. He was also a member of the Stanley Masonic Lodge #713.

To start his sports career, he played multiple sports for Mount Holly High School, but was a natural baseball player and it was his true passion. After graduating high school in 1945, he played for Belmont Abbey, while also playing American Legion baseball in Cherryville. During his sophomore year, he was spotted by a professional scout and later signed with the Cleveland Indians organization and played for multiple minor league teams.

After three years in professional baseball, Mr. Hollis entered the military in 1950 and trained to be a paratrooper in the Army. While stationed at Fort Campbell, he played baseball for the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment and 11th Airborne division teams. After he returned from service, he went on to continue to play for the textile leagues, before starting his longtime teaching and coaching career in 1955. He completed his degree at Belmont Abbey then got his master’s degree and educational specialist degree from Appalachian State University. He served as an assistant football coach at Dallas then later coached baseball, basketball and football at Stanley High School and American Legion baseball. He then became the last principal at Stanley High School then the very first principal at East Gaston High School where he became so well loved and respected and continued working for Gaston County Schools until his retirement in 1990.

Mr. Hollis was also awarded North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2004 in recognition of his dedication and service to his students. He was also inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

He is survived by his wife Louise Hollis, son Timothy Hollis, grandchildren Alexa (Alex) Overbay, Colton (Sarah LoPresto) Hollis and Timothy (Katie Cubbage) Hollis and 3 great grandchildren, Beckham, Bennett, and Paxton.

Mr. Hollis was full of life, had a great and memorable laugh and was well known and recognized for his sports abilities and role as a loving and guiding educator for many students over the years. He loved recounting stories of his times in the school system and talking about the thrill of jumping out of an airplane.

The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Stanley from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Friday October 11. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Hollis will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Interment with Military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Hillcrest Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Baptist Church of Stanley or Gaston Hospice.

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