Hollis H. Leddy

Hollis H. Leddy

San Angelo

Hollis H. Leddy, 89, of San Angelo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in San Angelo.

Hollis was born Aug. 18, 1925, in Brady, Texas, to Martin Luther "M.L" and Mabel Williams Leddy. The family later moved to Menard for several years, and in 1936, they made their way to San Angelo, where they established their home and business. Hollis graduated from San Angelo High School and then attended Southern Methodist University until he joined the United States Navy during WWII. After serving his country honorably through the end of the war, Hollis went back to S.M.U to continue his studies. Hollis graduated from SMU in 1948, with a degree in Business Administration.

Shortly after graduating, Hollis married the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Drake, on June 25, 1948, and they began their 67 beautiful years together. Hollis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who devoted his life to his family and friends.

After the War, Hollis went to work for his father at M.L. Leddy Boots and Saddles, in San Angelo. During his 32-year career at the boot company he was instrumental in developing the reputation of Leddy Boots and Saddles as the quality standard that competitors would seek to copy. But the M.L. Leddy brand continued to expand its reputation for quality, durability and style throughout the Southwest...with the Leddy name ultimately becoming a world renowned "best in class" name in the leather goods industry.

Hollis retired from M. L. Leddy's in 1980, at the age of 55. Hollis and Nancy then began their incredible adventures in travel. Together they traveled extensively all over the world, and when grandchildren came along, they enjoyed organizing Christmastime trips for the whole family that provided memories that will always be dearly cherished. Two of their favorite places were Lake Taho and Ruidoso, New Mexico. Nancy and Hollis loved the horse racing and dice tables. But most of all, they enjoyed being with each other!

Hollis had many strengths and passions in life. First among them was writing poetry, especially for his beloved Nancy. Hollis was also a consummate record keeper, particularly about his golf scores. Dancing was another of his passions. He and Nancy didn't sit out many jitterbug opportunities! Hollis was an accomplished horseman ... playing Cowboy Polo on several world championship teams. Hollis loved his workshop where he created and invented many products like cowboy hat rests, polo mallets, doll furniture and other items too numerous to mention.

Hollis also loved playing golf with his buddies. Each year the highpoint was playing in the San Angelo Country Club Partnership Invitational golf tournament. He looked forward to the fellowship and fun he always had whether on the course or at the socials. Hollis loved life and everything about it. He had a tremendous ability to share with every one, and he became a great storyteller for events in his life, often starting off with "That reminds me of the time when..."

Hollis served as president of the San Angelo Rotary Club, was a member of the Cactus Investment Club as well as numerous other organizations. He was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. Hollis's passion for his family and for life itself gave him wisdom beyond his years. His love and caring nature, beautiful words of wisdom and his "special whistle" will live on in our hearts forever! Hollis will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, M. L. and Mabel; one brother, Dale Leddy; and one sister, Joyce Franklin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Nancy Ellen Drake Leddy of San Angelo; his loving children, son Hollis Drake Leddy and his wife Charlotte of San Antonio; his daughter, Ellen Ann Leddy Brandenberger and her husband, Mike of Abilene; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren whom he adored, and many other loving and caring family members and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015, at Johnson's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Allan C. Eckert and Rev. Randall Wehmeyer officiating. Interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be Walter Leddy, Charles Leddy, Stanton Leddy, Brian Brandenberger, Luke Brown and Brian Owens.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of San Angelo, Trinity Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

"Life's battles don't belong to the stronger or faster man, sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can!"

Family and friends may extend condolences and sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.