Wallace Donald Hollinger

In Loving Memory of Wallace Donald Hollinger

Wallace Donald Hollinger was born December 10, 1933, and died July 29, 2025.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wallace Donald Hollinger who departed this life peacefully after a lingering illness at the age of 91. Born in Toronto, Canada, Wallace Donald Hollinger was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend to many.

Wally’s journey through life with his lovely wife, Gerda, was the catalyst that defined the joy with which he lived. Their life together was beautifully woven with travel and adventure during their 68-year marriage which offered them a unique lifestyle that they embraced with open arms. They were true models of a life well lived and well loved while raising their family all around the world.

Wally was the proud father of his beautiful and vibrant daughter, Cynthia, who was a highly successful Risk Manager and Commercial Insurance Producer before her retirement. Cynthia’s dynamic drive, intellect, and devotion to excellence are traits she inherited from Wally. Cynthia thrives as a mother to her two children Lauren Polk and Philip Helmey while embracing the role of grandmother to her three grandchildren.

Wally’s son, Don, followed in his father’s footsteps of commitment and service by serving in the Army Special Forces, then retiring after 32 years with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Don’s steadfast work ethic and devotion to mission were deeply influenced by Wally’s example. Don is a proud father to Jessi Edwards, Katie Jerinic, Andrew Bufalini, Corey Hollinger, Olivia Boyer, and William Hollinger, and a treasured grandfather to eight grandchildren.

A distinguished officer, Wally retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Full Colonel after an accomplished 24-year career as a military pilot. His service took him and his family across Europe and the United States offering treasured experiences and unforgettable memories.

After his military retirement, Wally remained deeply engaged in civic life. In his community of Sun City in Bluffton, South Carolina, he contributed meaningfully by serving on many Boards of Directors. His dedication to leadership, service, and integrity was clear in all he undertook.

Wally was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and career as well as being a huge proponent of education. He had a deep appreciation for intellectual pursuits, and the acquisition of new skills and information. His vision of education transforming individuals and communities began with his personal educational goals. Before and during his years in the military, Wally made it a primary goal to further his own education. He attended many training schools and universities which earned him several degrees in fields such as aeronautical engineer, performance engineer, pilot, and navigator.

Wally’s passion for continuing education extended to his family and the community as well. With a vision of offering future Hollinger generations the opportunity to reach their education goals, Wally and Gerda established the Hollinger Education Fund. This scholarship fund will be cherished by his family for generations to come.

Honoring the life of his beloved wife after her death in 2022, Wally also set up an endowed scholarship at the University of South Carolina Beaufort which supports International Studies. Wally was Canadian by birth while Gerda was German by birth. These studies touched him deeply as he believed it could help build bridges between cultures worldwide.

Wally was a man of strong character who lived a beautiful and full life. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

His final hours were made peaceful by Pruitt’s Hospice program which included Wally’s Archangels Rachelle and Dana, and Pruitt’s many other Angels.

Wally is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Helmey (Carl Rosenow); his son, Don Hollinger (Angela Hollinger); eight grandchildren; Jessi Edwards, Katie Jerinic, Lauren Polk, Philip Helmey, Andrew Bufalini, Corey Hollinger, Olivia Boyer, and William Hollinger; as well as ten great-grandchildren. Wally was preceded in death by his wife, Gerda, in 2022.

The funeral service will be held at Sauls Funeral Home located at 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, South Carolina on August 4, 2025, at 12:00 P.M.  Following the service, the burial will take place at Beaufort National Cemetery.