William Ralph Hollenbeck

Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan to his father, Edward and his Scottish-born mother, Christina. He was raised in Detroit and Cincinnati, where he played high school football and later attended college at the University of Cincinnati. He also attended the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern, where he earned his master’s degree in Marketing.

After college, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Chicago. He then moved to Knoxville, Atlanta, and Memphis to work for Holiday Inns where he became the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO. He was one of the first developers of Hampton Inns. Years later, he taught college classes and then became a realtor in Oak Ridge.

He had an adventurous side that took him on many travels, which allowed him to boast of having been to all 50 states. (Most several times!)

As an avid enthusiast of anything with an engine, he earned his private pilot’s license at 21 and later owned his own plane. He loved cars (only Fords!), motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, jet skis, etc., of which he owned several.

He loved being on the lake in his boat as well as snowmobiling through the woods in northern Michigan. He was a fan of all sports, especially football and hockey, which he played in his youth.

He was extremely intelligent and there wasn’t a math problem he couldn’t solve.

Jane was the love of his life for 55 years. They lived in many houses together and travelled extensively. His only child was his daughter, Heather.

He loved his family and friends; especially his four grandchildren, Savannah, RJ, Chad, & Kyle. Taking them on many trips and adventures made him very happy.

He was aslo surveived by his Sister Jan (Hollenbeck) Van Fleet and niece Christy Hall.

He had a quick-witted sense of humor and loved making people laugh.

He was an avid church goer where he made lasting friendships throughout the years.

A private graveside service was held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

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