Mr. Ulysses Hollimon

Ulysses Hollimon was born on June 23, 1931, the sixth of eight children born to Robert and Lizzie Hollimon in Amory, Mississippi. After a brief illness, he passed away peacefully in his sleep at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on June 26, 2023.

The family moved to Memphis, Tennessee during his teenage years where he graduated from Booker T Washington High School. He displayed a gift for athletics. He boxed, played football and baseball. He was a regional Golden Gloves champion in boxing. He played football in high school, college, and in the Army. His football accomplishments earned him a draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In baseball, he pitched professionally in the Negro Leagues for the Memphis Red Soxs, Baltimore Elite Giants, and the Birmingham Black Barons.

He served in the Army during the Korean War, but he was deployed to Europe during his tenure. Afterward, he attended and graduated from Tennessee State University. While there he coached baseball, played football, and also married Gensie Sullivan. After graduation, the couple relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Three children were born into this union: Ulysses Jr, Mary, and Deborah. He also worked at Ford Motors until retiring after 33 years of service.

Earlier in life, he was active in hunting, fishing, and golfing. Later in life, he had an “interest” in the dog track and casinos. However, he always possessed a life-long passion for family. Throughout the years that passion was displayed by the devotion of his time, his energy, and his resources to supporting various family members.  His concern and support extended beyond family unto his friends.

He is preceded in death by both parents, (Robert and Lizzie), his only sister, (Mary), and all of his brothers, (Robert, Faris, George, W.C., Thomas, and Ernest). Mourning his passing are his son Ulysses Jr, (Shelia), two daughters Mary and Deborah, three grandsons Gary, Austin, and Justin, (Maya), one great-grandson Justin Jr, one sister-in-law Gratest, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 3, 2023, 10 am at Watkins Heritage Chapel, visitation 9 am.  Interment in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel Condolences may be shared on our website.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.