Burl Hollis

The world lost a wonderful man and a devoted father on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Burl Franklin Hollis was born on Nov.12, 1941, in Bernice, La, to George Morelle Hollis and Lillie Lowery Hollis. Burl was a 1959 graduate of Bernice High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Northeast University.

Always a natural athlete, Burl earned a place on the collegiate gymnastics and diving teams.

After graduating from Northeast University, Burl served in the National Guard for six years during the Vietnam War before becoming a full time cattle rancher for his family properties. He loved animals, especially his many horses and cattle dogs. Burl continued to be an entrepreneur and savvy businessman in the timber and oil industry for over 40 years.

If you knew Burl, you knew that he was fiercely loyal, charismatic, hilarious, and that he loved his family more than he loved himself. He truly lived life to the fullest and left behind an incredible legacy.

Burl is survived by two daughters, Ashley Hollis Ray and Holly Hollis Stars from his marriage to Susan Thurman McFarlain and their spouses, Travis Ray and Mark Stars. Burl is also survived by two grandchildren, Austin and Susanna Distefano, one sister, Beverly Hollis, and three nephews, Hollis Paul, William, and Edward Lawrence.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Morelle Hollis, two brothers George Hollis and Bobby Hollis, and one sister Pasty Hollis Anders. Burl will be deeply missed and his kind spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with.

A memorial service celebrating his life will take place at a future date.