Mr. Thomas Louis Hollingsworth died Dec. 12 surrounded by his family. The oldest of three children and son of Costolow and Myrtie Hollingsworth, he was born in 1933. He joined Richards Chapel United Methodist Church at an early age and served faithfully until his death. He loved being a member of the Richards Chapel Senior Choir and Richards Chapel Male Chorus.
He was a 1952 graduate of Washington High School in Newton County. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and would often sport his Korean veteran's cap. He then attended barber school and began driving a bus for the Newton County Schools in 1958. He was one of the first two black bus drivers to be hired after the county began transporting students. He retired after 47 years of service in 2005. In addition to driving the bus, he worked for a time at Bibb Manufacturing and Georgia Highway Express. In March of 1967, he began working at Mobil Chemical until he retired after 28 years.
He married Minnie L. Mathis in 1956 and they had three children. He was determined to be a strong provider for his family and worked two jobs for most of his working career. Mr. Hollingsworth was not a big talker, but he never hesitated in speaking up when it came to his family. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was his greatest joy. He always looked forward to family gatherings during the holidays and on special occasions.
Mr. Hollingsworth was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Curtis Hollingsworth and Ernest Flanigan, stepmother Laura Hollingsworth and stepbrother John Rogers Pitts.
Surviving are wife of 56 years Minnie Hollingsworth; daughters Theodosia Hollingsworth and Madeline (Obie) McDaniel; son Ronald (Renee) Hollingsworth; grandchildren Chakira, Thalia, Tyra and Deonte Hollingsworth; goddaughter April Green; godson Keiven Rhodes; siblings Frances Hollingsworth, James Otis (Sandra) Hollingsworth, Margaret (Willie) Green, Shirley Hollingsworth, Frances Jenkins, Gloria (Theodore) Wilson, Beverly (James) Morgan; sister-in-law Goldie Hollingsworth; a host of other sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Richards Chapel United Methodist Church with Minister George Johnson, Pastor Randy Jordan and Pastor Maria Church Johnson. Interment followed in Lawnwood Memorial Park.
