Russell Dean Hollis

Russell Dean Hollis was born on Thursday, February 2, 1961 in Rayville, Louisiana to Cloteen Kindrick-Culpepper and Charlie James Hollis. He passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 in his home in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 65.

Russell D. Hollis graduated from Carroll High School in his hometown of Monroe, Louisiana. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Southern University at New Orleans and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (ΚΑΨ), and a dedicated Substance Abuse Counselor.

Russell enjoyed spending time with his family, his fraternity brothers, and his friends. He loved fishing, watching movies, and football. He had a gift for connecting with people, and he loved making others smile.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his older brothers, Charles and Donald Kindrick; his sister-in-law, Alice Fay Franklin; his brother-in-law, Roy Edwards Sr.; and his son, Shantez Sumler.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Deborah Gardner; his children, Jacqueline Renee Townsend, Crystal Jenaé Hollis (Joseph Alan Hite), Charles Edward Hollis (Raven Victoria Adcox), and Sean Christian Hollis; his grandchildren, Olivia Hutchinson, Katherine Rose Hite, Dorothea Quinn Hollis, Charlotte Éowyn Hollis, Shantez Sumler Jr., Malique Sumler, Myah Sumler, Mariah Sumler, Justin Sumler; great-grandchild, Novalina Sumler; his siblings, Willie Franklin, Betty Kindrick-Cooper, Linda Kindrick (Walter Jackson), Aerocenia Culpepper (Perry Myles Sr.), LaShawn Culpepper-Edwards, Marcus Culpepper Sr.; brother-in-law Huey Gardner Jr. (Mary Lopez); many nieces and nephews; and many friends and fraternity brothers.

The family encourages friends and loved ones to honor Russell’s memory by sharing stories, photos, and condolences.

Russell will have a memorial held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the First Missionary Baptist Church on 507 Swayze St. Monroe, Louisiana 71201.