Samuel Benjamin Hollis

Samuel Benjamin Hollis, affectionately known as "Sam" to his friends and family and "Bennie" during his childhood, passed away peacefully at his home in Okatie, South Carolina, on July 7, 2026, at 5:25 p.m. He was 100 years young, having lived a remarkable life devoted to service to God, his country, his family, and his fellow man. 

Born on October 3, 1925, in Mayfield, Georgia, Sam grew up during the Great Depression. At just 17 years old, immediately after graduating from high school, he answered the call to serve his country by entering the United States Army. 

During World War II, Sam proudly served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 in the European Theater. He served honorably as a Sergeant. His service to his country remained one of the greatest honors of his life. 

After returning home from the war, Sam earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and later received his law degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. He also became a Certified Public Accountant, reflecting his lifelong commitment to education and professional excellence. 

Sam dedicated his professional career to public service, serving as Regional Counsel for the United States Government. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues for his integrity, wisdom, fairness, and unwavering commitment to serving others. 

Following retirement, Sam and his beloved wife, Mary, fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to a small farm in Randolph County, Georgia. Together they cultivated pecan orchards and pine forests, planting many of the trees by hand. Those years became some of the happiest of their lives as they enjoyed God's creation and the satisfaction of working the land together. 

A man of deep Christian faith, Sam was an active member of First Baptist Church of Shellman, Georgia. After moving to South Carolina, he became a devoted member of Okatee Baptist Church. He was also an active member of Operation Patriots FOB (OPFOB), the Sun City Veterans Association, and an honorary member of the Hilton Head Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), where he enjoyed the fellowship of fellow veterans and continued supporting those who had served. 

Those who knew Sam will remember a humble gentleman whose quiet strength spoke louder than words. He believed in serving others before himself, treating everyone with dignity and respect, working hard, keeping his word, and trusting God's plan. His legacy is found not only in his accomplishments but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and steadfast example. 

Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Shealy Hollis; his daughters, Mel Evans and Kathryn Hollis Peters; his cherished brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom were blessed by his love and example. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Benjamin Hollis and Florine Allan Hollis, as well as his siblings. 

Having lived through a century of remarkable change, Sam witnessed history while helping shape it through his own life of service. His legacy will live on through the family he loved and the lives he touched. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, South Carolina. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, August 7, 2026 at Okatee Baptist Church, 5467 Okatie Hwy, Bluffton. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 pm at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Operation Patriots FOB (OPFOB), Okatee Baptist Church, a veterans' organization or charity of your choice, or by honoring Sam's memory through an act of service or kindness for someone in need.