Gene F. Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth, Gene F.
A long-time resident of Manhattan Beach, passed away in his home with his wife of 62 years, Kay Hollingsworth, by his side. Gene was born on November 15, 1922, in Abeline, Texas. His family moved to the South Bay in the early 1930s. Gene attended the local schools but dropped out of Redondo Union High School in 1940 and joined the Marine Corp in anticipation of World War II. He served during the war on Samoa, Pago Pago, Tutuila, and New Zealand, and saw action on Gaudalcanal and the British Somoan Islands with the 2nd Division, 8th Marines. He met Kay in Canada and after 1 week asker her to marry him, which she did. They moved to Manhattan Beach with their 2 children, Joel and Jesse, in 1955. Gene owned and operated a mail-order rare-book business, which specialized in Western Americana, for over 50 years. The business will be continued by grandson, Justin. He had a great love of literature and poetry, and for years was known as the unofficial Poet Laureate of the Strand, where he would walk each morning and recite poetry to many of his friends. He loved thoroughbred racing and went to Hollywood Park almost every day. Besides his wife, Kay; and his son, Joel and his wife, Marla, Gene was survived by his grandchildren, Justin, Megan, and Chelsea, and Jeremy and his wife, Shannon, and their children, Dillon, Beau, and Ashley. He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse. A memorial service will be held on the beach at 6th Street in Manhattan Beach at 11 AM on April 14, with a reception to follow in front of their home at 336 6th Street, Manhattan Beach. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.