Obituary of Donald Patrick Hollis, Sr.

Donald Patrick Hollis, Sr., of The Woodlands, Texas, was peacefully called home into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the age of 87.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Martha Hollis of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and brother, Jimmy Hollis of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Patricia G. Hollis; children, Donald P. “Rick” Hollis, Jr. and wife, Tracie of Sugar Land; Stephanie K. Hall and her husband, Clay, of The Woodlands; Kevin W. Hollis of Magnolia; brother, Byron and wife Fran Hollis of Gilbert, Arizona; four grandchildren, Miles, Breanne, Kevin II, and Stephen; and two great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Sophia.

Don was born on September 21, 1933 in Houston, Texas to Pat and Martha Hollis, however, he grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He attended Catholic schools and graduated in 1951 from St. Michael's High School. In 1956, he graduated from The University of New Mexico with a degree in Pharmacy.

He married Patricia “Pat,” his high school sweetheart on November 23, 1957. After moving to Houston, Don began working for Jones Apothecary as a pharmacist. A few years later Don and his father went into business together and opened Key Pharmacy. The business grew over time and he ultimately owned three pharmacies in the Houston area. In 1983, he closed Key Pharmacy and began work as CEO of Legend Pharmacies, a pharmacy co-op for independent pharmacies. He was first and foremost a pharmacist who always looked out for the care of his clientele. Even if that required him to unlock the store after hours to fill a prescription that had run out. After retiring from Legend Pharmacies, he began working for HEB in The Woodlands until his FINAL retirement in 2013.

Don’s love of sports began as a young child. He played football and tennis in high school and swam in college. While living in Houston, Don and his wife Pat were very active in bowling leagues. Don encouraged his children to also play sports from baseball, football, track, fishing, golf, and hunting.

Don enjoyed going to the Schicke Pointe bay house with all the Hollis relatives to fish for trout and just relax. He spent many weekends working on his cars, especially his 1957 T-Bird and Mustangs. He made sure that the T-Bird was always in pristine condition from the engine to the interior. He was very active in the T-Bird club of Houston, participating in many car shows and road rallies. He also spent time with his children teaching them how to work on their cars.

While living in The Woodlands, golf with his friends was a weekly activity. Watching his Houston sports teams, Rockets, Astros, and Texans, gave him both great pleasure and pain. He was an active member of Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church of The Woodlands, while being a beloved A.C.T.S. brother. As a fourth-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus he was a man of faith and charitable action.

Don and Pat enjoyed many years of charitable events as members of the Sembradores De Amistad Educational Foundation. They felt it so important to raise funds for college scholarships for deserving Hispanic students.

Don was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and an adoring Papa to his great-grandchildren. He loved his family beyond all measure! We are grateful for the outpouring of love shown to our family through the many prayers, calls, encouraging words, hugs, food and much more. Our hearts grieve, but we rest in the assurance that Don is made whole and at home with Our Lord.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 1:15 p.m., on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Drive in The Woodlands, Texas.  A reception will follow in Domec Hall located on the church grounds. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Don’s life as a servant of God.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church Divine Mercy Fund in memory of Don Hollis.