John F. Hollis (or “Coach” as many called him) passed away at Lofland Park Center in Seaford. John was the son of Charles and Dorothy Hollis of Seaford.
John has a long and lengthy career history that spanned many decades and has served the Seaford and Delaware communities in a variety of ways. During the summer as a teen, John could be seen at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital as an orderly and years later at the SGCC swimming pool, as manager and coach.
John graduated from Seaford High School and then proceeded to earn a Bachelor’s and partial Master’s degree from the University of Delaware. His teaching career started at Seaford Middle School, commenced to Seaford High School as a biology teacher. He then had the honor of being the first elementary school counselor in the state of Delaware. John became the Human Relations administrator for the Seaford School District. During all of these years, he coached football, winter and spring track and field, and swimming. In addition, John served as the Chairman and Coach of the DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football games.
John had a very busy and productive life. He was involved in St. John’s United Methodist Church as Sunday School teacher and Administrative Chair. In addition to working for Seaford School District, John went on to work as HR administrator at Delaware Technical and Community College. Later he shared his expertise with Delaware Community Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, and Nemours Health and Prevention Services.
John was passionate about and a pioneering force for MERIT (Minority Engineering Incentive Training). He spent 50 years serving as founder, director, and mentor in which he fostered a supportive community that helped many students achieve their academic potential. His “MERIT family” were some of his most favorite and beloved people; furthermore, watching his MERIT students grow into successful professionals gave him an enormous sense of pride.
During his career, he had the privilege of earning many awards. A few include: Volunteer of the Year for the State of Delaware; Teacher of the Year; Coach of the Year for track and field; Coach of the Year for swimming; the Jefferson Award; DuPont Leadership Award; Charter Member of the Carson’s Scholar Fund; the John Taylor Education Leadership Award; inducted into the Hall of Fame for African American Athletics; inducted in the first Hall of Fame Awards for the Seaford School District. He helped, along with many, raise money for the building of the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club. For John’s hard work, the sign at the Western Sussex Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Hollis Park is dedicated to him.
John leaves his wife of 56 years, Linda; a son, Jack (wife Melisa); a daughter, Jennifer (husband Brandon); grandsons, Tanner Hollis, Hayden Speace, Gavin Speace; granddaughters, Lauren Rose and Meredith Rose (fiancé Travis); great-grandson, Colton; his sister, Maryann Ruley (husband Earl); and his brother, Charles Hollis (wife DeLourdes).
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21 with a viewing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a service starting immediately after, at Lifeway Church of God, 7046 Seashore Highway, Bridgeville, DE 19933.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to John and Linda Hollis Children in Nature Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation at delcf.org or check payable to “Delaware Community Foundation” with the fund name on the memo line at PO Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.