Harold (Ray) Raymond Hollister, Sr.

Harold Raymond (Ray) Hollister, Sr. was born on February 3, 1925, at home in East Rush, Pennsylvania, to Herman and Josephine (Pierson) Hollister.  After residing in East Rush for over 96 years, Ray moved to live with his son in Lampasas, Texas, where he died peacefully on June 29, 2025.  He was the fifth of nine siblings and the last of his family's generation to depart earthly life.  Ray married Dorothea (Dottie) Gardner on April 19, 1944, and enjoyed over 77 years of blissful marriage.  Ray and Dottie had four children - Janice Louise, Harold Jr., Sharon Darlene, and Brian Keith.

After graduating from high school, Ray started his early career driving trucks and eventually began working in construction while remaining on the farm to work because two older brothers served in World War II.  Ray became an accomplished bricklayer and worked as a mason for large construction companies.  At the same time, he was always involved in farming with dairy cattle.  For many years, he managed both (farming and mason) careers.  Ray teamed with his son-in-law (Richard Spering) for many years in the construction building business.  Later in life, he became an auctioneer and enjoyed that facet of his interests tremendously.  Other interests of his included many sporting game activities, taxidermy, hunting, fishing, and building "buggies" for Pennsylvania Amish acquaintances.  Ray was a charter member of the Montrose, PA, Kiwanis.  He was also proud to be a charter member of the Rush/Lawton, PA volunteer Fire Department.  Ray was a devoted Christian and member of the East Rush Methodist Church throughout his life.  He was active in the church and participated in custodial work at the East Rush Church Cemetery throughout his life.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie, daughter, Sharon, parents, Herman and Josephine, eight siblings and their spouses, son-in-law, Richard Spering, Jr., and great-grandson, Matthew.  He is survived by children, Janice Spering, Harold, Jr (Dorothy), and Brian (Kim).  His surviving offspring include 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements and preparation are being handled by Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel, Lampasas, Texas, and Regan Funeral Home, Montrose, Pennsylvania.  Ray's burial is at East Rush Cemetery in Pennsylvania.

Contributions may be made in memory of Raymond Hollister to the Worship Center of your choice.