Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
MARK HOLLIS Obituary
HOLLIS, Sr., 78
President of
Publix Super Markets
LAKELAND - Mark C. Hollis, Sr. 78, former President of Publix Super Markets, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday morning, December 7, 2012 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born and raised in Lakeland, he married his sweetheart, Lynn, with whom he was married for 57 years.
Mark was active in many areas during his almost 60 years with Publix, but his recent passions in retirement were traveling the world with Lynn, sculpting, teaching the Vanguard Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church and playing tennis with friends in Lakeland and Franklin, North Carolina where they enjoyed many years of tranquility.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Lynn and sons, Clayton (Beverly), Jack (MaryLee), and Dean (Lisa); 12 grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Anne Roberts; and brother, William Mercer Hollis, Jr.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8, at First United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARK HOLLIS
Bryant & Regina King
February 1, 2015
Dear Lynn,
I was saddened to hear of Mark's death. He was a wonderful man and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know him. I was humbled by the trust and faith you all placed in me after my Father died. Clearly he had his values in the right order; a leader by example.
Please pass on my thoughts and prayers to Clayton and the rest of your family. I have a warm spot in my heart when I think of you all. Sorry to be so late.
January 6, 2013
Dear Lynn and family,
We are sending our sympathy to all of you in the passing of Mark. A fine man and well known in FL. Knowing he is in a better place is comforting. I do not have your address to send a note, so we are sending it this way.
Bob and Alma Burkett
Debra Derr
December 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. That's what Mark was all about,family.And that's how he made all us feel here at publix.
Patti Amundsen
December 11, 2012
Dean & the Hollis family,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
December 10, 2012
Lynn, Our thoughts & Prayers are with you & the family. The world has lost a wonderful, strong Christian man who lived a model life for The Lord.
Love & Prayers,
Connie & Don Roberson - Boston, GA
December 10, 2012
we all are going to meet our lord and savior soon we will get to talk to hin and be told all we want to know god bless all of you norman garvey jr
December 10, 2012
A great man has left his mark on so many places... thank you for all you have done for All Saints' Academy over the years. You will be greatly missed.
Pete McNabb
December 10, 2012
God has called a great christian business man home. He will be missed.
Bruce Congleton
December 10, 2012
Clayton,
Please accept my sympathies on the passing of your father. BC
Lura Martin
December 10, 2012
Dear Lynn,
I want you to know that you and your beautiful family have been in my thoughts and prayers since I learned of Mark's passing. I know your hearts are very heavy but I pray that they will soon overflow with wonderful memories of special times you shared with Mark.
His life was dedicated to making this world a better place and countless lives have been touched through his resolve. His life's focus on family, church, community and heritage stand as an inspiration to everyone who knew him. God Bless all of you as you as you remember and celebrate the well lived life of a very special man.
ann (dawson) white
December 10, 2012
margie and family, i was so sad to learn of mark's death. though i didn't know him, i feel like i did due to hearing his name in association with publix and also the family's association with florida southern college. please convey my thoughts to the whole family. it's been a long time since we were at lhs
Sallie Webb
December 10, 2012
Lynn,
I sympathize with your loss. My prayers are for you as you go through this difficult time.
May the knowledge that Mark is now happy
in his heavenly mansion help you cope.
Mark has always ( since 4th grade ) been one of my favorite classmates. We will miss him.
December 9, 2012
Mark gave me my first opportunity at public speaking to his Rotary Club. I will always be grateful for knowing both he and his Dad. God Bless the Hollis Family
December 9, 2012
Ray D. Helpling Stetson classmate
Sissy Black
December 9, 2012
Chuck and I are saddened to hear of his passing and are praying for peace and comfort to your family...God Bless.
Kim Martin
December 9, 2012
My heart goes out to the entire Hollis family. What an amazing legacy Mark leaves!
December 9, 2012
Mark and family did so many good things for Florida Baptist Children's Homes and I enjoyed knowing and working with him on behalf of needy children. Our prayers are with you all.
Charles and Rose Marie Hodges
Camilo Calvo
December 9, 2012
A great loss for all that share moments in Service with Rotary, and other organizations. We will miss him.
May the Lord give you strenght to cope with his departure.
J Peck
December 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I worked for Publix for 17 years. It was a great company to work for and I know that Mr. Hollis was one of the people who made it that way.
Carolyn Day
December 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hollis family at this time. I was fortunate to know Mark as a Publix leader and as a friend. He was a gentleman and a great role model.
Nancy Lahey
December 9, 2012
I did not know Mr. Hollis or his family personally. But as the proud parent of a Stetson University graduate, I know of the constant "gifts" of time, talent, and treasure that Mr. Hollis (himself a Stetson grad) and his family bestowed on the university. He gave a lot of himself to Stetson, and he deserves the gratitude of hundreds of students and parents over many years. He set a high standard of involvement and philanthropy; thank you, Mr. Hollis, and love to your family.
Kelly
December 9, 2012
My prayers are with Clayton, Bev and the rest of the family. In these difficult times know that he is no longer suffering and is celebrating with Jesus in Heaven.
Tony Woods
December 9, 2012
Dear Hollis Family, I worked for Publix when Mark was President. As a young man he provided great encouragement for me. I saw him just a few years ago in a store and told him that and I could tell it really touched his heart. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and a great man!
Allen Norton
December 8, 2012
i am Allen Norton-i worked with Mark in Publix#26 in 1955-He was an inspritation to me -not to long ago he and i talked and remembered many good times at #26-he will be missed by me and will always be in my thoughts God Bless him and his family [email protected]
Laura Billups Farlow
December 8, 2012
My prayers of comfort are with all of you at this difficult time. I suspect he and my Dad, Keith, are scheduling their next tennis match. God Bless
Terry Ferris Vaughan
December 8, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the Hollis family. I'm sure he is filling Mr. George in on how much Publix has grown. His smile, guidance and encouragement will be sorely missed. May all your fond memories comfort you in the days ahead. God Bless all of you.
Brenda Velazquez
December 8, 2012
Rest In Peace, You are now with God and in no more pain. My thoughts are with the Hollis family.Your graciousness and giving heart will never be forgotten.
Celia Hill
December 8, 2012
Mark will be missed by all who knew him. May God give you comfort and strength during this time.
Melissa Howard
December 8, 2012
Dear Hollis Family- We are praying God's comfort and peace for your family. May you feel His arms wrapped around you during this difficult time.- Rick and Melissa Howard
Josie Kirk
December 8, 2012
To the sweetest family,
All of you have become my family and I love you so much.I will miss Mark so much.He always had such wonderful word of isdom to share with me and to see that smile as he passed thru the gate would make my day. I can now take comfort in knowing he is on heaven and out of pain.He is up there sculping his greatest piece ever in the presense of our Lord.Let me know if you need anything,
Love to all,Josie
Annell Tidwell
December 8, 2012
Dear Lynn, Clayton, Jack, Dean & Family,
Know Mark's passing will be a big loss to you and those who loved him. You all meant a great deal to Allen & I during our Publix years. Allen has been gone a year now, and I'm sure he and Mark are "catching up" again in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fondly,
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in MARK HOLLIS's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for MARK HOLLIS
How to support MARK's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor MARK HOLLIS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
