William Nick Hollis II

1950 - 2011

William Nick Hollis II obituary, 1950-2011, Orlando, FL

BORN

1950

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home

2811 Curry Ford Rd

Orlando, Florida

William Hollis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 31, 2011.

HOLLIS, WILLIAM NICK, II, age 60 passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011. Nick was a retired air traffic controller who began his career in the United States Air Force. He served his country for four years, including a tour at Osan AFB, South Korea. Mr. Hollis achieved the rank of Sergeant and was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal and numerous other Awards. Following his military service, Nick joined the Federal Aviation Administration as a Flight Service Station Specialist; a job requiring extensive meteorological training. He later transitioned back to air traffic control as a tower and radar approach controller. He retired from the FAA in 2005, calling retirement "the best job I ever had". He enjoyed photography, drawing, woodworking, gardening and playing guitar. Nick was an avid golfer and one of his proudest accomplishments was… a hole in one.Mr. Hollis is survived by his daughters Heather Hollis-Vining of St. Cloud, FL; Wendy Hollis-Billitteri; Jennifer Hollis of Orlando, FL and granddaughters Gaylelyn Cooper and Hailey Billitteri.Visitation will be held Friday, February 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL.Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 5 at Carey Hand followed by a processional to Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery for a brief service with military honors. Additional details can be found at www.careyhandcolonialfh.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Central Florida Children's Home.

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September 24, 2011

Wendy Hollis-Billitteri

May 12, 2011

jennifer hollis

just thinking of you, Daddy. I miss you so much. Stay by my side!!! Butterfly Kisses, Jen Jen

March 20, 2011

jennifer hollis

Thank you so much for all the happy memorable posts from friends and family. I am so glad that we can do these kind of things now a days. As I read these often, they make me cry and laugh all at the same time. I sure do miss my Daddy but your memories that you have shared has/is helping me through this undescribable pain I have. Again, Thank You all so very much, Jennifer

Posted by jennifer hollis

March 9, 2011

Tammy

February 21, 2011

Jim Biles

Nick is a first cousin. He might be my first, first cousin. He was always five years younger than I, and his mother was always concerned about him associating with us trashy Biles boys (she knew because she was a Biles). We were always doing boy stuff like playing with knives and guns, and blowing stuff up with firecrackers, swimming in the branch, and making race machines out of old wagon bodies and the wheels off our cousin's doll carriage. I thought he hadn't been around us enough to learn bad habits, and so did our Aunt Doris. But I found out later that he had done even better than us, playing around in mothballed Air Force fighters and bombers, and nearly burning an air base down. Needless to say, I'm right proud of him. Nick learned quickly and was quiet and observant. It was good to hear the great things his friends had to say of him. His Dad was a true war hero, and Nick carried on the tradition of excellence in a difficult occupation. I know he is proud of his daughters; they are wonderful women. Nick had the important things, including God, in his life. It just doesn't get any better than that.

February 19, 2011

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. Your father was a wonderful person and I know you all will miss him dearly. He is at peace now and in God's hands.

Love you,

Eve Truntich

February 15, 2011

Patricia Bollimger

February 14, 2011

Maria Cruz

May God's peace comfort you and may you feel His warm embrace as you mourn the loss of your beloved father. My prayers are with you, Hailey and Jeff. I'm so sorry.

February 11, 2011

Hailey Billitteri

Pop Pop,

I will love and miss you forever.
My favorite artist and now my Angel!
I Love you sooooo much!!

Your granddaughter,
Hailey

Posted by Hailey Billitteri

February 10, 2011

Rob Hollis

I good to know that you are with our Savior. I know that you are in the presence of God our creator. I know that the pain and suffering is over with. I am glad you took that step of faith. Death lost its victory with Nick.
It is never to late.
Dad, Bobby, Mom, and Nick are in Heaven. I will join them some day soon. How about you?
-Rob-

February 9, 2011

Tammy Lindquist

Hi Nick...I know we never got a chance to meet in person but I feel like I know you so well just by knowing your Amazing daughter Jennifer!! I will always remember how thoughtful you were to draw such a beautiful picture of my mama..I will be forever Thankful for that..For the days, months and years to come I will always be here for Jen, and to remind her that you are okay and in a Wonderful Beautiful Place called Heaven..P.S. I hope Heaven has an Awesome Golf Course...Rest Peacefully....Love, Tammy

February 9, 2011

Jacque Foster

Nick was my big brother...and I was his favorite sister! For the first time in my life, I am the oldest child and I don't think I like it very much. I just looked through the attached photo gallery and was taken back in time with him, with our family and with his family. Nick had a good life. I just wish it could have been longer. Rest in peace big brother. Your struggle is over. You will be missed.

February 8, 2011

Robert Dobbelaar

For those of you who do not know me……….I first met Nick in 1986.
Nick and I did not hang out together, didn’t talk on the phone, didn’t send emails, text each other, or go golfing, however we did spend a lot of time together and I do remember some kind of reception where I know my wife and I had great time and I know Nick did too, we talked about that at lunch.
But he was and still is a coworker, friend, and a brother that for now is not here in body, but in heart, and through HIS Grace we will be with again.
I have always felt that controllers are just like firemen sometimes we are standing by for that controlled burn, at other time we scramble and respond by opening positions to put out the wildfires we did not see coming.
But there is another commonality that we share, that is that of brotherhood. There is a brotherhood among controllers;
We all know we are a small family that somewhere someone knows who you are.
We are aware of our own family’s personalities, we may not know what is private (but sometimes that does get out) be we do know their personalities.
As Air traffic Controllers we all have different personalities, levels of comfort, and creativity.
Nick’s personality was sometimes as gruff, tough, he had a moderate comfort level.
Nick had his own way with creativity, he had a testing procedure for any controller new to MCO whether experienced or not.
Nick would test you on your abilities, attitude, and will your to succeed.
You had to earn his respect, I remember thinking who the heck does he think he is $#@%& and so on.
But to those of us who worked with him knew that once you stood your ground and challenged him (in so many words) he would maybe back off.
While I was involved in facility procedures in the front side of things Nick for the most part while I was at MCO was involved backstage.
He and I would talk in that backroom about a lot of things that we agreed on, or agreed to disagree.
I know that I was not the only one that was privileged to hear such wisdom.
Nick was talented, dependable, and resource that I know could always ask what his take was on any subject and knew that I had a great second opinion.
Nick could have the persona of having a hard personality.
He had attitude.
I think because of that Nick did (at least while I was at MCO) not train a lot of new MCO controllers.
I have always felt that one of the many things Nick could be proud of is when he took this one NY kid from the ghettos of Level 1 VFR New York Tower and turned him into a confidant, professional and talented radar controller at MCO.
I left MCO in 1997 so I really don’t know what that controller is like today but however he turned out we all can thank or blame Nick,
A few months ago I while I was talking to JG I asked how Nick was doing and he said he right here want to talk to him. I was glad to.
During that conversation we talked about having lunch.
I was honored that with Jacks help the three of us were able to have that lunch.
Nick and Jack took that long drive to New Smyrna where Nick and I talked about the past, present, and what the future might bring.
Nick was upbeat, optimistic, and honest. I was glad to have had that opportunity.

Nick and I did not hang out together, didn’t talk on the phone, didn’t send emails, text each other, or go golfing, however we did spend a lot of time together and I do remember some kind of reception where I know my wife and I had great time and I know Nick did too, we talked about that at lunch.
But he was and still is a coworker, friend, and a brother that for now is not here in body, but in heart, and through HIS Grace we will be with again.

February 8, 2011

Jennifer Hollis

Daddy, I miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.....(I don't have enough O's) much!!! Even though the cat has my tongue I am talking to you with my heart? and soul. Keep giving me the strength to continue on my journey of life. I know you have been with me everyday, I have seen all the signs. I promise I will make you proud and continue with grace and dignity as a "Hollis". I will NEVER disrespect your wishes and I will be the kind and sweet young lady you taught me to be.
A WISE man once said "Listen and be wise!!! Getting wisdom is the best thing you can ever do"!!!!!
Much Love and Butterfly Kisses
Your Daughter,
Jennifer Hollis

February 8, 2011

Donna (Drake) Huss

I will always remember Nick from his Gosnell High School days. We ran into each other again in 1990 and he was still a very intelligent and enjoyable guy. He will be missed by all. --- Donna Huss (Drake)

February 5, 2011

Holly Long

Dearest Hotel, Thanks for always being my friend. I always felt safe with "your tall, intimidating" self. You were always "right around the corner" for me. I won't tell anyone that when Carol, I and yourself played pool, that you let Carol put a whooping on you. Thank you for gutting and rebuilding the Master Bath with me at the Mayberry House when Big was in OKC. Thanks for finally telling me that everyone enjoyed "Holly's Joke du jour" except the "man up front." (ouch) I loved it when all the boys would come to the house to play cards--you guys were so entertained by the "home side" of me fetching your drinks-waiting on you--etc. This year when Big celebrates your Birthday, we will reminisce about all the Birthdays you have shared. I will always remember the one where JG was designated the "responsible one" and you, Big and New York all played golf and JG kept turning away the Birthday package I sent (much to the disappointment of the employees of the course). Every Birthday, JG would always pour you and Big home safe. I Love you, keep looking after us, your "Little Sis", Holly

February 4, 2011

Cheryl Swingle

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. God bless you all. We love you. The Swingle's

February 4, 2011

Louis Lester

Rest in Pease my good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. God Bless.

February 3, 2011

Tere McCollum

To The Hollis Family;
My ex-husband Mike work with Nick in Orlando Florida back in the late 1981-82
I remember Nick as having a great sense of humor...I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Made he rest in peace.

February 3, 2011

I am one of Nick's cousins, and grew up with him playing on the farm in Dalton, Ga. We both had a deep love for our 'Mona'...our grandmother...and Nick is the one that named her that. Nick was so much like his dad that when I saw the picture posted, I thought it was my Uncle Bill. I know Nick was a great dad to his girls, and I am sure they will miss him a great deal. May he rest in peace and also in God's hands.

Bob Biles, Kingwood, Texas

February 3, 2011

Doug Powell

So many times we sat on the porch in “Kruegerhood” as Nick would call it and Rio Pinar over the last 13 years give or take. We reminisced about our pasts and how we wound up in Orlando. The distant sound of the train that would pass South of Orlando. Guestimating the altitude of the aircraft passing overhead from OIA and where they were probably going. Beer. He talked about ATC stuff and I talked about NAVY. On so many occasions, there always seemed to be an Eagle, Hawk, Owl or other bird nearby, especially perched in one of those tall trees overlooking the golf course. You are sorely missed my friend, sorely missed. Rest in peace Nick.

Posted by Doug Powell

February 3, 2011

Posted by

February 3, 2011

Hailey Billitter

Posted by Hailey Billitter

February 3, 2011

Hailey Billitter

Posted by Hailey Billitter

February 3, 2011

Hailey Billitter

Posted by Hailey Billitter

February 3, 2011

Hailey Billitteri

Posted by Hailey Billitteri

February 3, 2011

Wendy Hollis Billitteri

Daddy, you are my hero, my secure foundation. When I think of you I am filled with love and warmth. You may have thought I didn’t see, or that I hadn’t heard the Life lessons that you taught me… Daddy, I heard every word. I will forever be grateful that you are my daddy and continue to strive to make you proud. Thank you for being you and I will look up to my Angel – YOU!!! We had so much fun in LIFE. I will carry on you as you!! LOVE YOU DADDY!!! I will see you in a "twinkle".
Best daddy in the whole wide world....eeee- aaaa –eee- aaaa
[Guitar plays]
I will drink a bud light for you ;)

February 2, 2011

Donna & Jim Jones

I am saddened to hear of Nick's passing. He was one of a kind and will not be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. God Bless

February 2, 2011

Betty Howard

I was saddened to hear of Nick's passing. I have fond memories of all our years at MCO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

February 2, 2011

Dave Talley

Nick, I'll never forget the hole in one that you never saw until we told you. The time with Jimmy and Jack on the course at Forest Lake. All the crabs and beer we had. seeing who could out drive the other...sometimes by a foot. Playing guitar. I'm gonna miss you HS. One day we're gonna meet again. Have that beer ready.

Dave

February 2, 2011

Andre Gaines

The reward for a life lived is not at hand. Peace and calm are now yours to enjoy. Thank you for being a part of a few memorable moments for me at MCO. Rest in peace

February 2, 2011

Kelly Ellison

Nick and I worked a bunch of mids. During that time I got to know and appreciate him for who he was and what was dear to him in life. He loved his kids greatly. We solved a lot of the worlds problems on those mids. If only the world would have listened!!! Godspeed my friend.

February 2, 2011

Bruce Knobbs

Nick was a great card player and we enjoyed many a game at the old tower. He used the intials HS, which he had his own way of saying. It was good to know you Nick.

February 1, 2011

Rick Hollis

Nick:
I reminisced of the times when we were kids. You were the big brother this first little brother had and thought it was great.
It may not have been seen from other as being very much. But, you were the way you were and that was all I needed to see and was satisfied with that and still am.
Though, you aren't here as my big brother, I'll consider you as my big brother and the bestest big brother God made for me.

February 1, 2011

Brian Creelman

Nick,

You were one of of kind. I really enjoyed working with you at MCO. The world is much the poorer without you. Our prayers are with your family and you.

February 1, 2011

Heather Hollis-Vining

The best 3 words, "I Love You" Daddy!!

February 1, 2011

Heather Hollis-Vining

The best three words, "I Love You" Daddy!!

February 1, 2011

Heather Hollis-Vining

The best three words in the world, "I Love You" Daddy!!

February 1, 2011

NANCY LINDSAY

To his remaining family: I was sad to hear of his passing. I have fond memories of his wit and dry sense of humor. The family is in my thoughts and prayers as a former sister-in-law.

February 1, 2011

Kathie Hollis

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 1, 2011

Judith Turner

I have many happy childhood memories of Nicky, my 3rd cousin. It grieves me to learn that he has been ill and has passed away. We lost touch sometime in the 70's when he moved away from Satellite Beach but happy times spent with him and his family at our Aunt Easy's in Dalton, Georgia will never be forgotten. The Nicky that I knew was a kind and gentle man and he was much too young to be taken from his family. I mourn his loss and pray for his family. I plan to attend the funeral and look forward to meeting his daughters whom I have never met. God Bless you, Nicky, and I cherish the memories of you.

February 1, 2011

Judy Sutton Turner

To Nick's three daughters.....unfortunately for me, you don't know me but I am Nicky's 3rd cousin from the Sutton clan. My Grandmother Clark (or Aunt Jewel to Nick) was his Grandmother Ethel's sister. My mom, Margaret Clark Sutton (Jewel's daughter), was Nicky's (what we always called him) 2nd cousin - your Grandmother Doris' 1st cousin. So much for the family tree! When we were young children every year we would all gather at our Aunt Easy's home in Dalton, Ga for a family reunion, usually around July 4th. It was our only time together as we all lived in different states and in the 50's people didn't travel like they do now. But I have many fond memories of your dad when we were little kids. Then, shortly after he married, he moved to Satellite Beach and was training to be an Air Traffic Controller. Nick and I reconnected and were in touch for a brief period until he moved in the 70's. I have had little contact with him since that time but my heart is sad to learn of his passing because I loved him and thought of him over the years wondering where he was and what he was doing. I didn't know he had three daughters and two grandchildren and only recently learned of his illness through reconnecting with Jacque on Facebook. I just want you to all know my prayers are with your family and that he was a really cool cousin. I'm very sad we lost touch and I will be coming to the funeral and look forward to meeting each of you.

February 1, 2011

Donna Gropper

I enjoyed working with Nick on the FACTEAM. He was intelligent and insightful, and good to work with on the team. May he rest in peace.

February 1, 2011

Jacque Foster

February 1, 2011

Dennis Densmore

We shared an apartment for 7 months in 1990 and I'll never forget Nick getting on to me about not cleaning the kitchen properly. We played a lot of golf which I enjoyed very much. Nick was very good and offered suggestions to help me improve my game. He always treated me like a younger brother, and that was OK with me.

We worked together for many years and I'll miss you "Hotel Sierra".

February 1, 2011

Jimmy Walker

Nick was my trainer when I was picked up at MCO. We both made it through it despite my short comings. Nick you will be missed

January 31, 2011

Bryce and Maria Courtney

Nick was a good Mentor to me in my early years. I will always remember the times we had together in the early controller day. I was one of those young pesky controller that i know irritated the heck out of him. But i really enjoyed the banter over the years. As his Supervisor he did an outstanding job for me. There was one night when we had a going away party for one of the controllers he was smart enough to call in sick the next day.

Nick we will Miss you

Boug

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