Palestine High School Alumni Association

Bruce Wayne Hollie, 50, was born Oct. 10, 1961 in Palestine, Anderson County, Texas. He was the seventh of seven children born to Amos Hollie Jr. and Ava Lou Dudley Hollie. Our beloved brother, dad, nephew, grandpa, friend passed from this life on Nov. 3, 2011.

Bruce accepted Christ early in life and united with New Canaan Baptist Church, Palestine, Texas. Here, he remained working faithfully in many functions until his death. He loved God and was glad to tell you. Bruce especially enjoyed his Christian duties under the leadership of his brother, the Rev. Marvin Hollie Sr. and pastor, Dennis Smith.

Bruce attended Palestine Independent School District and graduated from Palestine High School in 1980. He played varsity football as a lineman. Since Bruce weighed 15 pounds when he was born, this was a position that he excelled in.

Bruce was gifted with an overpowering love for his family, friends and every person he met. There was no such thing as a stranger. In using this gift, he combined it with working with youth at risk. He was a counselor at Azelway Boys Home for 10 years. Bruce owned and operated It & More BBQ & Fish Shack as well as Big Bruce’s BBQ & Fish Cafe. This is where he used his talent for preparing delicious barbecue and fish.

It’s not easy to say goodbye to Bruce for he touched so many lives. He leaves to cherish his memories: loving son, Bruce Rogers; lovely daughter, Nikki Rogers; grandson, Jailen Jackson; godson, Zachriah Taylor; sister, Ava Louise Hollie; brothers, Amos L. (Gwendolyn) Hollie III, Rev. Marvin (Lillian) Hollie Sr., Gardner (Deidra) Howard Jr. and Elzie Beard Jr.; great-uncle, Mryt Hollie Sr.; aunts, Elizabeth Dudley, Eula Dudley, Lottie Birdow, Eva McIntosh, Margaret (James) Stubblefield, and Rose Ables; uncles, Wallace (Selena) Hollie Sr., William Hollie Sr.; 21 nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Linda Hollie Carr; brothers, William Eugene Hollie and Hosea McKenzie Hollie Sr.

Viewing will from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Emanuel Funeral Home, 1721 W. Oak St. in Palestine, Texas (903-729-3188).

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 at Smith Chapel Church of God in Christ, 421 W. Coronaco, Palestine, Texas. Interment to follow at Price Cemetery.