Ray Wesley Hollis

Ray Wesley Hollis, born January 14, 1943, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Kenneth and Marie Hollis, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old.

Ray dedicated his life to his family, hard work, and service to others. He retired from the Arlington Fire Department after 25 years as a firefighter. Never one to sit still for long, Ray went on to work for Santo ISD for 26 years, serving in maintenance and as a bus driver. He spent countless hours caring for the district’s football and baseball fields and driving students.

Ray shared 63 years of marriage with his wife, Mary Hollis. Together, they built a life and family that grew to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Hollis; son, Nickie Hollis and Susan, of Lake Coleman; daughter, Shelia Bybee and husband Jim, of Lake Palo Pinto; and brother, Roy Lee Hollis, of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Ray is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh Hollis and wife Hannah, of Watauga; Erica Perez and husband Ferdinand, of Watauga; Stacey Elkins and husband Joey, of Lake Palo Pinto; and Jeffery Bybee and wife Caitie, of Santo; as well as seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marie Hollis, and his sister, Barbara Lane.

Ray was a member of Mingus Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to visit 22 states and two countries throughout his life. But anyone who knew Ray knew there was one time of year that held an especially important place in his heart: Christmas. He loved Christmas so much that his Christmas tree stayed up all year long—a fitting reminder of the joy he found in his favorite season.