Roy Kenneth Hollins

On March 26th, 2020, Roy K. Hollins said he was leaving the house he built 63 years ago in Okahumpka, Florida, to join the party of friends and family who have gone on before him. No doubt, he was once again greeted with a boisterous "Roy!" A jokester and quick to laugh, Roy will be fondly remembered as the life of any party. Born July 6th, 1925, in Somerset, Massachusetts, to Lena May Holland and James Henry Hollins, Roy joined his two older brothers and life-long best friends, Jim and Al, and younger sister, Lillian Kruhmin. Roy left behind another younger sister, Marilyn Borden (Russell). Growing up during the Great Depression, Roy spent his time outdoors fishing and hunting and even set up his own taxidermy shop in the back yard. He was also an accomplished musician, playing clarinet and tenor sax in a band. It was patriotism that led Roy to volunteer to serve in the Army during World War II. After the war, Roy returned home and taught himself how to build houses from a book. He married Edna Keetley and had two sons and a daughter. Roy and his young family eventually landed in the Leesburg area. Roy built a house for his family with his brothers building houses on either side. The Hollins compound provided a lifetime of fond memories. Hollins Brothers Construction went on to build many of the homes in Leesburg. Eventually, Roy opened Hollins Paint Store which operated for nearly 25 years. Sadly, Edna and their son, Bruce, passed away unexpectedly in 1966. Roy married LaVerne Long, and had another daughter. After that marriage ended, Roy spent much of his time on the water in Homosassa Springs where he had a retreat for many years. On a whim, Roy called a beautiful young lady he knew, Yvonne Alisi, and was happily married for 20 years. Roy's service to his country was recently recognized when he was able to participate in a Veteran Honor Flight. While this was certainly a highlight of his life, Roy would say his greatest accomplishments were his children: son Doug, daughter Karen Johnson (Blaine) and daughter, Daun McLaughlin (Kevin). Grandpa Roy's undeniable spirit will carry on with Hunter (Jordan), Bailey (Chris), Connor and Bridget, and great grandson Rhodes. Roy's service to his country, his tireless work ethic, humility and unwavering devotion to friends and family truly embodied the spirit of the Greatest Generation. He will be sorely missed. A future memorial will be held to celebrate the life of Roy Hollins and tell stories too numerous to share here. Donations can be made in Roy's name to https://villageshonorflight.org/donate-pages-place-holder/ways-to-give. There will be a private service for Roy, Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL.

Roy Kenneth Hollins

July 6, 1925 - March 26, 2020