Gilbert Hollis

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Meadowbrook Community Church, 1902 South Duncan Road in Champaign with Reverend Ron Strack officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 -7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the church.

Dr. Hollis was born November 26, 1939 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was the son of Orbra and Pauline (Cox) Hollis. He married Willa Johnson August 27, 1961 in Greenway and she survives. Also surviving are three sons, Brian Hollis and wife Paula of Champaign, Kevin Hollis and wife Sue of Mechanicsville, Iowa, and Kent Hollis and wife Wendy of Champaign; five grandchildren, Ashley-Tate, Shelby, Nathan, Summer Hollis of Champaign, and Toby Hollis of Mechanicsville, Iowa; one brother: Charles Hollis and wife Sandra of Greenway. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Gregory Hollis.

Dr. Hollis received his undergraduate degree and his master's degree in animal sciences from the University of Arkansas. He earned his PhD in animal sciences from Purdue University. He served as a professor and swine extension specialist at the University of Florida from 1966 to 1970, Texas A&M University from 1970 to 1977, and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign from 1977 to 2002. He was professor emeritus at Illinois from 2002 to 2009. He loved his work, especially the farmers and producers he served throughout the state and around the world. He loved his church and was a founding member of the Meadowbrook Community Church of Champaign. He was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinal's fan who enjoyed traveling with his wife. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Dr. Hollis was a man of faith who deeply loved Jesus Christ. He was a man of prayer and he sought to honor Christ in all that he did, even in his last days.

Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, Ill. 61874 is handling the arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Meadowbrook Community Church Building Fund.