LT. COLONEL ALTON BRYAN HOLLIS

SYLACAUGA - July 30, 1921 - July 7, 2012. Lt. Colonel Hollis passed away quietly at the Bill Nichol's State Veteran's Home after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was a native of Rome, Georgia. Prior entering the Veteran's Home, he was a resident of Sylacauga, Alabama. He played football for Talladega High School and graduating in 1940. He joined the Marine Corps in August 1942. He served with the 4th Marine Division as a combat engineer in the pacific invasions of Saipan, Roi-Namur, and Iwo Jima. He received a field promotion to 1st on Iwo Jima, and his combate citations include the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star. After World II, he remained active in the Marine Corps Reserve. he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and trained Marines bound for Korea at Quantico, Virginia. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve after 25 years of service attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was employed by the City of Ocala, Florida as the supervisor electrical substations and retired after 22 years of service. He was a life time member of the 4th Marine Division Association and a member of Sylacauga Post 45 of the American Legion, Elks Club, Ocala, Florida. He was employed by the City of Ocala, Florida as the supervisor electrical substations and retired after 22 years of service. He was a member of the First Methodist Church Ocala, Florida and Sylacauga, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Miller Hollis of Sylacauga and his parents Ida and Harry Hollis, sister Inez Abrams, his brother, Otis Pharr. He is survived by his daughter, Kimothy Hollis Morrill, son in law, David Morrill, Sylacauga, and one granddaughter Ashley. He returned to Sylacauga with his daughter and son in law in 2007. He was a fixture in downtown Sylacauga, often telling his stories to Joe Duck, fellow veterans, and town's folk. He was a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and enjoyed long walks with his dog Murphy. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either 4th Marine Division Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice. Memorial service will be on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Curtis and Son North Chapel. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Burial will be in Evergreen Mausoleum. Online condolences may be offered at www.curtisandsonfh.com. Curtis and Son Funeral Home North Chapel will direct the service.