Harold Raymond “Ray” Hollister Sr. was born on Feb. 3, 1925, at home in East Rush, Pennsylvania to Herman and Josephine (Pierson) Hollister.
After residing in East Rush for over 96 years, Ray moved to live with his son in Lampasas, Texas, where he died peacefully on June 29, 2025.
He was the fifth of nine siblings and the last of his family’s generation to depart earthly life.
Ray married Dorothea “Dottie” Gardner on April 19, 1944, and they enjoyed 77 years of marriage. Ray and Dottie had four children: Janice Louise, Harold Jr., Sharon Darlene and Brian Keith.
After graduating from high school, Ray started his career driving trucks and eventually began working in construction while remaining on the farm to work because two older brothers served in World War II. Ray became an accomplished bricklayer and worked as a mason for large construction companies. At the same time, he was involved in farming with dairy cattle. For many years, he managed both careers.
Ray teamed with his son-in-law Richard Spering for many years in the construction building business. Later in life, he became an auctioneer and enjoyed that tremendously. Other interests of his included sporting game activities, taxidermy, hunting, fishing and building “buggies” for Pennsylvania Amish acquaintances.
Ray was a charter member of the Montrose, Pennsylvania Kiwanis Club. He was also proud to be a charter member of the Rush/Lawton, Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Department. He was a Christian and member of the East Rush Methodist Church throughout his life. He was active in the church activities and participated in custodial work at the East Rush Church Cemetery.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie; daughter, Sharon; eight siblings and their spouses; son-in-law, Richard Spering Jr.; and great-grandson, Matthew.
He is survived by children Janice Spering, Harold Jr. (Dorothy) and Brian (Kim); 11 grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas and Regan Funeral Home in Montrose, Pennsylvania. Burial is at East Rush Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
Donations may be made in memory of Raymond Hollister to the worship center of one’s choice.
