Kenneth Hollis

Kenneth "Unc" Hollis, 76, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on August 7, 2024. He was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on May 16, 1948. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ellis Martin and Mamie Elizabeth Hollis; sisters, Rachel Kiddy, Ruby Hollis, and Ruth Sweeney. He is survived by his sister, Marie Ferrell of Woodbury; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A true Cannon Countian, Kenneth started on the path many around this part did but gave it an honest Hollis flare. Born in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury to two Hollis's, Kenneth got a double dose of stubbornness with a helping of country on the side. The creek became central to his life from childhood onward.

Going to the creek meant fishing, hunting, or just sitting on the bank, soaking up the melodies of the woods. It was a home away from home that didn't have all of the responsibilities tied to it, but that didn't mean Kenneth shied away from responsibility. Just like many in his generation, working and taking care of family were just as central to his life as the creek.

Graduating with the Class of 1967 from Woodbury Central High School, Kenneth went on to work for Samsonite in Murfreesboro. He worked there until the factory closed down in 1997. From there, he went on to work for various employers, but in doing that, he picked up the knack for collecting tools. No area of craft went unexplored, or at least the tool didn't go unbought. Though Kenneth worked well with his hands, there were some tools that just never quite made it into them to be used.

That ability and interest was something Kenneth wanted to pass on, and even though he didn't have children of his own, he never quit putting family first in his life. His nieces and nephews brought him great joy, especially when he got to pick at them. He would get a smirk on his face, and they knew they were in for it. From practical jokes to pranks to just popping out and scaring them, Kenneth kept the smiles shining and the laughs rolling.

Particularly funny to his siblings was that Kenneth would get out and play with the kids like he was one of them. He played baseball, basketball, or anything else their hearts desired, and if they were on a team, Kenneth wasn't missing the game. He'd be there in the bleachers cheering them on and making sure they hadn't forgotten what he showed them. 

His passion for sports started at an early age, but facing the responsibilities set before him, Kenneth opted to be a spectator instead of a participant. He enjoyed watching Kentucky basketball and football, and if sports weren't on, it was the news or the fishing channel. Kenneth never got away from his roots in the creek, and that suited him just fine. He made ample memories there throughout his life and most importantly to him — with the kids.

When walking along the creek, fishing, and hunting became too difficult for him to accomplish, he still kept melodies going in the background. Instead of the wildlife and water, Hank Williams, Sr. and Jim Reeves carried the tune. He had collected their albums over the years and even had an old Gibson, acoustic guitar he kept in his bedroom. 

Overall, Kenneth was a plain ole country boy. You knew his family came first; you knew he had a tool for whatever you needed fixed; and you knew where you stood with him. Just like the creek, his banks could only hold so much water before they flooded, but Kenneth stood firm throughout the storms of this life. His family can take comfort in knowing now he is at peace.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story