Hoyt E. "Bige" Hollifield

Mr. Hoyt E. "Bige" Hollifield, age 87, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at The Oaks at Limestone Heritage, in Gainesville.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, October 01, 2010 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with interment to follow in New Holland Cemetery. The Reverend Mark Stroud and Reverend Willard Thomas will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the funeral home.

Mr. Hollifield was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Hollifield and Lou (Thomas) Hollifield; brothers Haskell Hollifield and William "Coot" Hollifield; and a sister, Tula Ash. He was raised in the New Holland Village and worked in the Mill until he entered the United States Army in 1943. He was shipped to Europe and fought in the battles for Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and Rhineland Ardennes. In one of these engagements, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery. He loved all sports and participated in several. He played baseball with the New Holland Mill Team in the Northeast Georgia Industrial League for several years. His first love just might have been golf, which he would play every time he got the chance. Overall, he was a quiet man, just being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who loved his grandchildren dearly.

Mr. Hollifield is survived by his wife, Wilma (Key) Hollifield of Gainesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Yvonne and Donald Bennett and Connie and Roy Campbell; granddaughter, Cindy Wingo and grandson, Alan Bennett all of Gainesville; grandson and wife Scott and Tina Campbell of Cleveland; and five great-grandchildren, Allie Kate, Emma, Brock, Austin and Zach. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bill Ash of Gainesville and sister-in-law, Eulene Hollifield; sisters-in-laws, Betty Norrell, Eloise House and Brenda Clark; and brother-in-law, Kerry Key also of Gainesville.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com