Bernard Benjamin Hollowell

Bernard Benjamin Hollowell, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Bayboro on December 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. While a native of Gum Swamp, just across the county line in Beaufort County, Bernard’s name will forever be associated with Pamlico County.

In a legal career that spanned five decades he served as County Attorney and attorney for the Pamlico County Board of Education for almost 40 years. As a result, he played a vital role in many important milestones for Pamlico County and its citizens. He also served as a Recorder’s Court Judge, Prosecutor, defense attorney, appeared before the North Carolina Supreme Court, and maintained a true general law practice with his beloved wife, Marybelle, always serving as his secretary. He was a fixture in the Pamlico County Courthouse, especially in the vault of the Register of Deeds office.

Bernard grew up on a small family farm during the Great Depression and graduated from Aurora High School in 1939 determined he was not going to live on a farm. Ironically, he was able to attend Louisburg College only after working on the college farm for over a year to earn enough credit to cover his tuition and expenses. He transferred to Wake Forest after his freshman year, where his education was interrupted by World War II and the draft. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and was shipped overseas to England in January, 1943 to serve in the 8 ^th Fighter Command. In December, 1945 he was furloughed stateside where he promptly married Marybelle Redditt and entered law school at Duke and Wake Forest, the two schools having combined during the war. He graduated from Wake Forest Law in 1948 and eventually “hung out his shingle” with Marybelle in Bayboro in 1951.

As he and Marybelle raised four children he was able to lead a very active life outside of his busy law practice. He was a faithful member of Bayboro United Methodist Church, performing any function asked of him, from assisting with its construction, to serving as Chairman of the Board, Trustee, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and in many other capacities for most of his adult life. As a man of faith, he enjoyed reading and researching extensively about the Bible and religion.

Bernard was also an accomplished woodworker and “Mr. Fix-it” with the skills he developed as a young dirt-poor farmer. Prior to the popularity of Duct tape, the roll of baling wire on his garage wall was his mojo. As a meticulous carpenter, from a large wooden cabin cruiser boat, elaborate kid’s playhouses, church Christmas floats, and office furniture to small school projects and guinea pig houses, Bernard could build it.

He, along with Marybelle, were avid sports fans and music lovers, especially if a child, grandchild or great-grandchild were competing or performing. They never missed a Pamlico Hurricane game or concert and were dedicated behind-the-scenes supporters whenever a need arose.

No summary of Bernard B. Hollowell’s life would be complete without mentioning golf. He loved the game and was instrumental in the formation of the Minnesott Golf & Country Club. He played as often as his busy life allowed typically eschewing the use of a cart until he was 90 years old. He sadly outlived a lot of golf partners. There’s a foursome on Heaven’s 1 ^st tee this morning and Bernard’s in it.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Marybelle Redditt Hollowell. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Sue H. Lee (Rod M. Lee); son, Bernard Benjamin Hollowell, Jr. (Jennie Z. Hollowell); daughter, Becky H. Ackiss (F. Paige Ackiss); and son, Steven E. Hollowell (Debby T. Hollowell); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Bernard’s family would especially like to express their great appreciation and love for his special team of caregivers who did their best to provide him some quality of life under often challenging conditions. Anna Brinson, Patti Berryman, Mary Brown, Velma Hackney, and Sara Snyder are Angels who were truly a blessing in Bernard’s life. Marybelle would have approved.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bayboro United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Bayboro United Methodist Church. Graveside service to follow at the Boyd-Redditt Cemetery in Edward, NC.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Heartworks, Bayboro United Methodist Church, or Hospice of Pamlico County.