Eddie Lee Hollis, 76, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at his home. He was born on May 15, 1940, the son of Louis Hollis and Canary Lee (Hickman) Hollis.
Eddie was a 1960 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and attended Oscar Peterson Institute of Music in Toronto, Canada. He was a musician and played in several area bands. He taught music and several instruments to many people.
Eddie is survived by his Wife, Gladys Mae (Outman) Hollis of Battle Creek, MI; Mother, Canary Lee (Hickman) Hollis of Battle Creek, MI; Daughter, Autumn Perry of Battle Creek, MI; Seven Step Children, Whitman Franklin, Steve Franklin, Kenneth Franklin, Debra Rohrer, Tammy Hanson, Patricia Stemaly and Melvin VanWormer; Two Grandchildren, Private Tyris Brazier and S'terra Brazier; Great Grandchildren, KayDen & KaMya; Numerous Step Grandchildren, Step Great Grandchildren, Nieces & Nephews; Sister, Dorothy Burkett; Two Brothers, Andrew Hollis and William "Willie" Hollis. He was preceded in death by his Father, Louis Hollis, Daughter, Felicia Hollis, Step-Son, Michael Franklin, Brother, Charles Hollis, Sisters, Mary Hollis and Martha Holley and Former Spouse, Marianne Hollis.
Eddie loved music...Since he was a child he had a passion for it and he took that passion where ever he went. From the back streets of the south to downtown Battle Creek to the big city lights in Phoenix, Arizona then back to Battle Creek, his passion for music brought him back home where he reconnected with his first love Gladys and wife of four years. During their marriage, Eddie and Gladys were able to create a beautiful life together. Throughout Eddie's musical career he was able to study at the Oscar Peterson Institute of Music. Once he completed that, he began writing his own music and playing in various cities and night clubs where he later reconnected with jazz musical icon Oscar Peterson and together they went on to create beautiful music together.