Benny Hollis

Benny “Ben” Michael Hollis, son of Ben F. and Mary R. Lewis Hollis, was born December 11, 1945 in Piggott, Arkansas.  He dedicated his life to serving others and departed this life on May 22, 2021.

Ben graduated from Greenway High School and received his undergraduate degree from State College of Arkansas, Conway, and his Master of Social Work from Barry University, Miami, Florida.  During the Vietnam War era, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as historian for four years.

He was employed as a licensed clinical social worker with the Veteran’s Administration for 31 years.  The last 15 years before retirement he served as spinal cord injury coordinator at the Central Arkansas Veteran’s Healthcare System.

Music was an important part of his life and he played the piano, organ, accordion and was the bugler for his Boy Scout group.  He was organist for two Base Chapels when stationed on Okinawa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Isabelle; sister, Barbara Hollis; sister-in-law, Diane Jones (Larry); nephews, Jeffrey Hollis (Deedra) and Wiley Hood (Cathleen); niece, Sheri Ammon; one great-nephew and seven great-nieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas L. Hollis and two infant sisters.

Visitation is Tuesday, June 1 from 5-7 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205.  Funeral service is Wednesday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, at Noon. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116, www.arkansashospice.org.