Russell Dean Hollis, 65, passed away June 30, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
Born February 2, 1961, in Rayville, Louisiana, to Cloteen Kindrick-Culpepper and Charlie James Hollis, Russell graduated from Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, with the Class of 1979.
He went on to earn 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. Russell served his community as a dedicated substance abuse counselor until his retirement from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2023. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and spent his free time enjoying fishing, football, and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and his son, Shantez Sumler.
Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Deborah Gardner; his children, Jacqueline Townsend, Crystal Hollis (Joseph Hite), Charles Hollis (Raven Adcox), and Sean Hollis; and his siblings, Willie Franklin, Betty Kindrick-Cooper, Linda Kindrick, Aerocenia Culpepper, LaShawn Culpepper-Edwards, and Marcus Culpepper Sr. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 507 Swayze Street, Monroe, Louisiana 71201.
