Hollis Ray Jones was born on Oct. 31, 1948, in Egypt, Texas, to parents the Rev. Jessie James Jones, Sr. and Laddis (Wren) Jones. He was born into a family of 13 siblings, with an additional four half-siblings and two step-siblings. Hollis was baptized at an early age and became a member of Fagen Addition Church of God and Christ.

Hollis attended Burnett High School in Terrell, graduated 1967, and studied chemistry at Wiley College in Marshall. In May of 1967, Hollis joined the Marines where he later was deployed to Vietnam. During his time in the Marines, he rose to the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in March of 1974. As a returning Vietnam veteran to Texas, Hollis, along with friends and family, formed a band which covered music of the times, including rhythm and blues, funk and soul. During these years the band performed at many local and distant venues across East Texas. In September 1979, Hollis returned to service and enlisted into the US National Guard, with a specialty in Bradley fighting vehicle system mechanic and signal support system.

One year later, on April 19, 1980, he married Vickie Milton and built a home in Edgewood. While living in Edgewood, Hollis worked in Athens as a U.S.P.S rural mail carrier. Hollis was one of the founding members of the local Van Zandt County chapter of the NAACP and served on the Edgefield Cemetery Committee in Edgewood. On Feb. 12, 1995, Hollis was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Edgewood, and later became one of the founding members of True Believers Baptist in Wills Point, Texas.

After over 23 years of service, Hollis retired from the armed forces with numerous decorations, medals, badges and commendations. Hollis later retired from U.S.P.S after 31 years of service and continueed his work as chairman of the deacon board at True Believers Baptist Church for over 27 years.

Hollis was preceded in death by both parents, Jessie James, Sr and Laddis, siblings Jessie James Jr., Tony Jones, John L Jones, Larry Jones, Earlene Williams, Irett Jones, Frances Buchanan, Josie Mae Redic and, Marilyn Ruth Jones, Ida King and child, Ricky Milton

Hollis is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Jones of Edgewood; children: Ronald D. Jones of Miami, and Rhonda Jones of Terrell; daughter-in-law, Yvonne Bowman-Milton; grandchildren, Gabriel Diaz Milton of Austin, Jaylen Ahmad Milton and Myah Renae Milton, both of Royce City, and Makayla Jones of Terrell; brothers, Harvey Jones (Verna) of Killeen, Robert Jones (Benitha) of Terrell, and Billy Jones (Carol) of Washington D.C.; sisters: Etta Summerfield of Terrell, Janet Witherspoon of Terrell, Janice Richards of Bang, Texas, Sandra Paul of Terrell, and Roylee Choice of Terrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, family friends and relatives.