Garry Phillip Hollon

Garry Phillip Hollon

Garry Phillip Hollon, 83, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He had the comfort of those he loved most in his final hours.

Garry was born on July 1, 1941, in Nashville, to Maurice and Jennie Lee Hollon. Raised in Nashville, he lived for several years in Shreveport, La., before settling in Chattanooga, where he resided for over 40 years. Divorced at the time of his passing, he had two sons, Phillip and Ronnie Holland by his first wife, Norma Jean, and a daughter, Jessica Ghazi, with his wife Julie. He also had five grandchildren, Ruby, Otto, Zaida, Raina, and Haris with whom he spent every Sunday faithfully. He is survived by his siblings Calvin, Martha, Walter, Debbie, and Marti.

An avid sports fan, Garry played minor league baseball as a young adult. His love of baseball lasted throughout his life and was shared with those he loved most. Garry was a season ticket holder with the Chattanooga Lookouts until the team moved from Engel Stadium. Jessica spent a great deal of her formative years at the stadium learning to keep a box score, singing on the dugout, or performing with the San Diego Chicken. Garry was also an avid Broadway fan taking Jess, and eventually Ruby, to a plethora of shows.

While a dedicated employee, his family was at the center of his life, most particularly his beloved daughter, Jessica. Raising her alone from the time she was young, Garry was a highly engaged dad. Though not the tradition at that time, Garry served as homeroom parent in her school and threw themed birthday parties that were legendary among her family and friends. In Jessica’s youth, Garry volunteered to work as the announcer for her local swimming meets. Despite limited resources, Garry took Jess all over the southeast to her swim meets, squeezing in visits to museums and more, as well as trips up north for visits with relatives. Their last big trip together was to a family reunion in Baltimore, MD where Garry engaged Julie’s side of the family with his seemingly limitless historical knowledge.

Before retiring in 2007, Garry worked in retail management throughout most of his life. Most recently, he was employed at Red Food, and prior to that, worked many years at U-Haul, among others. A blue-collar man throughout his life, Garry possessed a strong work ethic, and was dependable in whatever field he worked in. He was a model do-it-yourselfer taking a stab at any task himself before outsourcing a skill in only the most extreme circumstances.

While Garry was certainly ready to end his working career, his retirement was borne out of his intense desire to be a present grandfather. His first grandchild, Ruby, spent many days at his apartment watching Disney VHS tapes, eating popcorn and tomatoes, and collecting coins. When not with the family, Garry collected aluminum cans, turning the proceeds into saving bonds for the grandkids. By the time Otto arrived, Garry moved in with Jessica where he would remain until his final eight years in assisted living. As a popular resident of the facility, Garry and family played bingo regularly racking up an impressive assortment of Bingo Bucks redeemed for family gifts. Even in his final days, Garry often took his wheelchair down to the nearby playground to cheer on Zaida, Raina, and Haris as they played.

Lack of opportunity for formal education didn’t prevent Garry from having a rich, intellectual life. A very bright man, he was extremely well-read and informed. He particularly enjoyed reading history and was quick to share details about historical events, particularly those in the Chattanooga area. He loved politics, as well, and never shied away from a spirited conversation. With lively interest and a friendly quick wit, Garry leaned into every opportunity to engage with others. He was also broadly inclusive regardless of, and perhaps, at times, in spite of societal norms. Even as his physical capabilities waned, his mental acuity remained sharp providing rich conversations into his final days.

Garry’s influence lives on with his children and grandchildren, as they inherited his sense of responsibility and values of family, living simply but richly, and respect for all people. If you wish to contribute to his legacy, the family suggests donations to his grandchildren’s 529 accounts. Links to contribute are found on Jessica’s Facebook page.