John Elbert Hollis, 84, of Columbia, formerly of Chapin, died on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Born in Blythewood, SC, on September 25, 1941, he was a son of the late Glen Younginer and Nannie Watts Hollis.

John Elbert grew up in Blythewood, South Carolina and attended Blythewood High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. John worked for the United States Postal Service for 35 years delivering mail in downtown Columbia, Broad River Road and Irmo. He retired from the Air National Guard Reserves out of MacIntire Air Force base. Although he was never in active combat, he kept his unit's books carefully balanced. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in accounting.

John and Kay moved to Chapin, South Carolina in 1971 where they became active members of the community. John was a Boy Scout leader for troop 411 for many years, enjoying camping and Scout activities around the country. He was an active member of Chapin Baptist Church where he was a greeter. After retirement, he volunteered at Crooked Creek providing transportation for those who needed assistance, as well as sitting on the Town of Chapin Planning Commission.

John was always an enthusiastic outdoorsman, hunting and fishing in Blythewood, playing adult league soccer and softball, and hiking many trails throughout the South. He and Kay also enjoyed canoeing, and participated in nature hikes as part of the South Carolina Amature Naturalist group (SCAN), founded by Rudy Mancke. John also enjoyed running and golf and participated in the Cooper River Bridge run frequently.

John was always a calm, organized part of the family. He will be deeply missed by all.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Gunter Hollis; children, Susan Michele "Misty" Hollis-Dickson (WIlliam Michael Dickson, Jr), John Scott Hollis, Rachelle Gunter Bartlett-Davis (Joseph Glenn Davis); grandchildren, Samuel William Dickson, Jacob Evans Bartlett(Jeb), James Hollis Dickson, Gracie Gunter Bartlett (Gigi), and Muireall Elanor Dickson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Glenn Younginer Hollis, Jr.

The graveside service for Mr. Hollis will be held at 11 o'clock, Tuesday, October 7th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, with Pastor Michael Hull officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Monday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.

Due to the nature of Kay's dementia and at the recommendation of her medical care staff, she will not be in attendance at the visitation and funeral but will join us at the Davis Residence (3535 Overcreek Road, Columbia, SC) after the funeral for a reception.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 140 Stoneridge Dr #640, Columbia, SC 29210.