Hollis Joseph Walls was born on June 23, 1945 in Fluker, Louisiana to the union of Lennie and Elnora Walls.  He received his primary education through the Tangipahoa Parish School System.  Hollis was a proponent of lifelong learning and earned his Bachelor's Degree in August 1967 from Grambling State University, Master's Degree in August 1978 from Texas Southern University, and numerous certificates in the educational field.

Hollis began his career in Education at Dillion High School in Kentwood, Louisiana.  After relocating to Houston, Texas, he joined Shell Oil Company and later transitioned to the North Forest Independent School District where he served for 24 years in various capacities including:  Spanish Teacher, History Teacher,  Assistant Principal, and Principal.

He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Fluker Chapel in Fluker, Louisiana.  When the family moved to Houston, Texas, Hollis became a faithful member of True Light Missionary Baptist Church for several years.  Upon enrolling his children in Mt. Zion Missionary Church Academy, he transferred his membership.  Hollis served on the Deacon Board at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years under the leadership of Rev. James Lightfoot.  Hollis was most recently a member of Greater True Light Missionary Baptist Church.  His love of God was evident in the way he lived his life.

On February 4, 1968, Hollis joined in holy matrimony to the love and joy of his life, Mary Ann Smith.  This union was blessed with five beautiful children.  Hollis and Mary Ann renewed their wedding vows in 2018 celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Hollis departed this life on January 15, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lennie and Elnora Walls, and his siblings:  Willie Boykins, Olivia Walls, Delores Walls-Evans, and Johnny Boykins.

He leaves to treasure his memories:  his wife, Mary Ann Walls;  sons Tesonki (Martha), and Christopher (Sheila);  daughters Tunya (Yashim), Angela (Thurland), and Hollie (Arthur); 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; siblings Lennie (Bridal) Walls Jr., Percy (Ethel Bell) Boykins, and Darletta (Emile) Turner, sisters-in-love Mae Helen (James) Vernon, Gail Sims, and Elaine Steward, brothers-in love Gary (Mable) Smith, and Eddie (Jeanette) Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life for Hollis Joseph Walls will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019.  Visitation for family and friends will start at 10 am, followed by funeral service starting at 11 am.  Both services will be held at Greater True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 6828 Annunciation St., Houston, Texas 77016 - Pastor T. O. Berry, Officiant.

Hollis will be laid to eternal rest in Golden Gate Cemetery (Houston, Texas).