Herbert “Byron” Hollinger Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born on April 6th, 1935 in Akron, Ohio to Nell “Louise” Hollinger (Foglesong) and Herbert Byron Hollinger.
SURVIVORS:
His wife of almost 62 years: Sandra Anne Hollinger (Spitznas)
1 daughter: Kimberly Mathews (Andy)
2 grandchildren: Lauren and Andrew Hibian
Byron graduated from Akron South High School in 1953, then completed his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Akron in 1958. He used this degree to take over his family business to become a 3rd generation florist at Hollinger Florists in Kenmore, OH. During this time, he was an active member of the community, including many dedicated years as an officer with the Kenmore Kiwanis Club and a deacon at the Community Church of Portage Lakes.
Byron served his country with honor from 1958-1960 in the Army 3rd Armored Division. Being stationed at the same time and place in Germany, his claim to fame was he served with Elvis Presley.
After retiring and selling the florist shop in 1991, Byron and his wife Sandra moved to Jamestown, KY where he spent most of his days on Lake Cumberland and working for 27 years at Lake Cumberland State Dock until he was 83 where he was affectionately known as “Governor”.
If you knew Byron, you knew he loved his family and he loved the water. If he wasn’t fishing or racing boats on the Portage Lakes, slalom skiing across Lake Erie, or riding his jet ski on Lake Cumberland, he was probably talking about it. The sparkle in his eyes when getting out on the lake looked just like the sun glistening on the water.
He was a kind man who loved to goof off with a good “dad” joke. He was an avid bowler, loved his fur babies, loved everything basketball (especially the Cleveland Cavaliers and University of Kentucky), almost never lost in euchre, and loved sneaking cookies (occasionally sharing with anyone that caught him). He will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
There will be no funeral service. We thank everyone that has sent kind words and stories.
Please consider contributing to the Woodford Humane Society, PO Box 44, 265 Versailles, KY 40383 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 in Byron’s memory.
H.E. Pruitt Memory Chapel in Jamestown is in charge of the arrangements.
