Francis O Hollifield , June 13, 1923 — January 31, 2019

Francis O. Hollifield, of Marion, passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the NC State Veterans Home in Black Mountain. Francis was born in McDowell County on June 13, 1923. He was a son to the late Weldon and Estella Hollifield.

He served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army Air Force, and retired from Drexel Furniture Company as a supervisor. Francis was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist Church where he served as treasurer, choir director, custodian, and as a member of the cemetery committee. Mr. Hollifield loved his grandchildren, and appreciated working in the garden and gathering up firewood.

He was a member of Gideon’s International. In his earlier days had a passion for fox hunting. Francis was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Most of all Francis loved his family, his country, working in the church and serving his LORD. Francis was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eddie Mae Hollifield of 55 years; and a son, Harold Dean Hollifield who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. He leaves behind a son, Harry Hollifield and wife Cindy of Marion; three brothers, Jearl Hollifield and wife Arizona, deceased of Marion, James Hollifield and wife Roxann of Marion, and Donald Hollifield and wife Ellen of Marion; a sister, Sarah Margaret Odom of Gastonia; two grandchildren, Heather Hollifield Hoyle and husband Chris of Greenville, SC, and Kimberly Hollifield Smith and husband Duran of Newport, NC; and three great-grandchildren, Hadleigh, Savannah, and Christian Hoyle; and a number of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Hicks Chapel Baptist Church in Marion. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 2:30 p.m. at the church with Rev Allen Laws and Rev Chad Wise officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow the service at McDowell Memorial Park.

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated,however, the family requests that those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory consider Gideon’s International at PO BOX 1788, Marion, NC 28752, or, to Hicks Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund at PO Box 464, Marion, NC 28752. Special thanks are extended to those who contributed to Francis’ care at the N.C. State Veterans Home, including staff, friends, family, and church members.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.