Dr. Thurman Dewitt Hollar

Dr. Thurman Dewitt Hollar, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC. He was born on May 13, 1940, in Forsyth County, NC, to the late Sanford Harrison Hollar and Vickie Loflin Hollar.

Dr. Hollar had a distinguished 33-year career as an educator at Surry Community College, where he made a lasting impact as an instructor in reading, speech, and developmental studies. Dr. Hollar's commitment to education, along with his kindness and generosity, endeared him to his colleagues and students alike.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hollar was passionate about enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He loved dancing to beach music on Ocean Drive and found tranquility in fly fishing. His faith was a cornerstone of his life; he accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 and remained a devoted Christian throughout his life.

Above all, Dr. Hollar was a loving father, grandfather, and family man. He cherished his children and grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

Dr. Hollar is survived by his children, Jennifer Hollar Hall and husband John R. Hall, Jr., Gretchen Hollar Kirkman, and Scott Thurman Hollar and wife Kate Hollar; grandchildren, Mary-Frances Elizabeth Hall, John Harrison Hall, Lily Hayes Kirkman, Anniston Marie Hollar, and Elizabeth Rose Kirkman; sister, Jean Hollar Hood; the mother of his children, Elizabeth Ann Hollar Garner. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Randall Elliotte Hollar and Dwight Marshall Hollar.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Jillian Caudle, Susan Stanley, and Luke Holyfield for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Dr. Hollar’s life will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, NC, with Dr. Jon Cawley officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. After the service, the family invites guests to a small gathering at Cross Creek Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Surry Community College Foundation in memory of Dr. Thurman D. Hollar, c/o Sheila Franklin, 630 S. Main St., Dobson, NC 27017.