1935 – 2024

Funeral services for Donald Ray Hollister, 89, of Wills Point were held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Russell Memorial Methodist Church. Visitation was held one hour prior to service time. Burial was at White Rose Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s Ly-Brand Funeral Home.

Donald passed away on December 17, 2024, in Kaufman. He was born on September 6, 1935, in Wills Point to parents Andrew Jackson Hollister and Lula Estelle Sanders Hollister. Donald graduated from Wills Point High School in 1954. He married Judith Threatt on August 9, 1958, at Russell Memorial Methodist Church. Donald graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 1959 with honors as a Distinguished Student and Distinguished Military Student.

Upon graduation, Donald entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served six months on active duty and seven-and-a-half years in the reserves, ultimately being discharged in 1967 with the rank of captain.

In 1960, Mr. Hollister began his banking career at the First National Bank in Dallas. During his tenure, he served in the credit and correspondent banking areas and held the position of vice president in the commercial loan division. Donald accepted the role of president at First National Bank of Grand Prairie, where he served for five years. In 1976, he moved to Sherman where he became president and chief executive officer of Texoma National Bank. In 1982, Donald was elected president and CEO of Republic Bank of Garland, a position he held until his retirement in 1987.

During his distinguished career in banking, Donald served on the boards of several commercial enterprises, including Texas Aluminum Company in Rockwall, Greater Texoma Corporation in Sherman, and the Texas Municipal Power Authority in Garland.

Donald had a passion for working with young people. For fifteen years, he coached basketball for the Boys Club and YMCA in three different cities. His civic involvement also included serving as president of the Texoma Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which encompassed Grayson County, Texas, and Bryan County, Oklahoma. He later served as president of the Grey Owl District, which included Garland and its surrounding areas.

Donald was a devoted member of Russell Memorial Methodist Church and the Seekers Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lula Hollister.

Donald is survived by his wife, Judith Hollister of Wills Point; his sons, Donald Mark Hollister and wife, Dee, of Commerce; Christopher William Hollister and wife, Helen, of Dallas; Philip Andrew Hollister and wife, Faith, of Forney; and John Carter Hollister and wife, Paula, ofAustin; brother, Jerry Hollister of Wills Point; sisters, Jackie Groom and husband, Rudy, of Mabank; and Wanda Clark and husband, Jim, of Mabank; grandchildren, Kristen Elizabeth, Lauren Amanda, Casey Michelle, Lindsay Nicole, Katheen Michelle, Julie Ann, Megan Lynne, Alexa Danielle, Jack Thomas, and Zachary Andrew; great grandchildren, Dezerick, Jireh, Joshua, Caleb, Eliana, Jaynelle, Kade, and Quinn: along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family invited friends and loved ones to celebrate the life of a devoted family man, community leader, and mentor.