Sentimental Stories: Remembering Uncle Hollis

Hollis Stogner, 

sitting on front steps of Columbia High School, c. 1960

I remember Uncle Hollis as a simple, down to earth person who found friends wherever he went.  I remember the deep southern country accent in his voice and how sometimes he talked slower than others.  Uncle Hollis grew up a pure country boy who enjoyed fishing trips on the river and hunting as well.  He was sociable and made many friends during all the years he was employed at the Nickel Store in the small town of Columbia, Mississippi.  He and his wife Juanita were married about 34 years at the time of his death.  They had three children- Stephen, Sandra Kay and Synthia Ann.  Hollis and Juanita attended the North Columbia Church of God in Columbia, Mississippi for several years.  

Uncle Hollis, date unknown

The photo above was taken about 1964.  Uncle Hollis was showing off his "catch of the day", sitting with sibling Shelby Stogner.  Shelby is holding Stephen, then about a year old, the son of Hollis and wife Juanita.  In the background of the photo is their mother, Iva Peak Stogner.  At the time, the family resided in a house on Park Avenue in Columbia, Mississippi.