Sergeant John L. Hollowell

Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a way to live. John Hollowell was one of those people. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1973 to Steven Hollowell and Jane Marie Ferris, John lived a life defined by service, sacrifice, unwavering faith, and unconditional love. A proud United States Army Veteran of more than nine years, he continued his calling to serve by dedicating another 24 years to the Leesburg Police Department, where he honorably served as a K-9 handler with his beloved partner, Cooper, Task Force Officer, SWAT Officer, School Resource Officer, Criminal Investigator, and ultimately Sergeant of Squad 3. He earned the respect of his fellow officers through his courage, integrity, and steadfast commitment to protecting others. While John proudly wore the uniform, his greatest title was always husband and father. On May 1, 1999, John met the love of his life, Carla, in Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they built a home filled with faith, laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. Carla was his greatest partner, his best friend, and nothing brought John more pride than the life they built together with their children, Chase and Abby. John believed the greatest gift a parent could give was not success, but the character to pursue it. He encouraged his children to follow the paths God placed on their hearts, standing behind every dream with unwavering support and quiet sacrifice. He was endlessly proud of his daughter, Abby, who is currently pursuing her double major in Business Management and Business Analytics & Information Systems at The University of South Florida, Tampa. He was so excited for her to start her internship with Hillsborough County in September, and all her involvement in on campus student organizations and was recently selected to serve as a peer leader in the corporate mentorship program. He is equally proud of his son, Chase, who recently graduated from William Penn University with a double major in Sociology and Human Services with an emphasis in Criminology, where he was a collegiate athlete playing Football. He was proud of him continuing his journey while awaiting shipping orders for the United States Navy, as he is currently preparing and training hard with high aspirations with his lifetime goal to become a United States Navy SEAL. Outside of work, John’s greatest happiness was simply being with his family. Whether it was a round of golf, movie nights, hanging out with Char Char, adding another knick-knack to his collection, making everyone laugh with his unmistakable sense of humor, or rescuing yet another stray animal, he found enjoyment in life's simplest moments. He loved fiercely, laughed often, and never hesitated to help someone who couldn’t help themselves. He will be remembered for his courage, loyalty, humor, compassion, discipline, and unwavering devotion to his faith, his family, and his community. His hugs, laughter, smile, strength, and endless jokes will be deeply missed. We will forever love him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Leesburg Blue Foundation or Humane Society of Lake County. Thank you. The Leesburg Blue Foundation https://share.google/rH0D4fVykki38Pwhp Humane Society of Lake County https://share.google/CKQSzrSGrUM07w7R6 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, 10:30 AM at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, 220 N 13th St, Leesburg, FL 34748. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Sergeant John L. Hollowell

September 12, 1973 - August 3, 2026