James Aubrey Hollis

James Aubrey Hollis, 81, of Lolita, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the Home Place in Ganado.         Born at home in Magee Bend, near what is now San Rayburn Reservoir in East Texas, to Minnie Lee and Eugene Hollis, he lived most of his adult life in Lolita with his wife and best friend for over 60 years, the love of his life, Elsie Rae.
    Aubrey was a man of gentle influence, solid in character and long on integrity. He is acknowledged for his 29 years of service with Alcoa Aluminum in Point Comfort, as well as his participation in USWA Local Union 4370. Aubrey was a founding member of USWA SOAR, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, serving several terms as its president.     Active in the community, he enjoyed sharing stories of his work with the Lolita Volunteer Fire Department and the Lolita Water District. Beyond carpentry and being an expert brick mason, his crafts included hosting Purple Martins, bee keeping, and he could make a mean jar of bread-and-butter pickles. He was a neighbor and friend one could count on.
    Into heaven he follows his parents, as well as his brother Tommy.
    He is tenderly remembered, here on this beautiful earth, by his wife, Elsie Rae, daughter Cindy, sons James (Barbara) and Ken, brother Lewis (Yoshi), and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and extended family.         Aubrey was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.
    Visitation was on  May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Slavik Funeral Home in Edna.
    Funeral service was at Slavik Funeral Home Chapel on May 8.
    Aubrey was laid to rest at the Red Bluff Cemetery near Lolita.
    Memorial donations may be made in Aubrey's name to the Lolita Volunteer Fire Department with checks made to JCESD#1-Lolita VFD, P.O. Box 455, Vanderbilt, Texas, 77991.
    Services are under the directions of Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St., Edna, 361-782-2152.