Dewey Ray Bollinger

Dewey Ray Bollinger, 83, of Bruce passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Calhoun City. Dewey was born January 13, 1938 to Thomas Watson Bollinger and Hazel Morgan Bollinger.

He was a lifelong member of Parker Baptist Church and worshipped there with family and friends. Dewey grew up helping on the family farm and graduated Ellard High School in 1955.  He married the love of his life , Virginia Spears, that same year. Their journey was just beginning.His philosophy was simply, work hard and respect others. Throughout his life he held as many jobs as it took to supportHis family. The 1960s would find him back in Bruce, starting a retail appliance and furniture business With his first cousin, William Morgan. Morgan & Bollinger would be the foundation for many of his businesses in the future.Music was part of his upbringing. Dewey and William would form a band called the C’s that was very popular regionally and that went on to have national releases. They would perform until 1972.He developed a strong passion for sales while in retail from 1961 to 1975. In 1976, Dewey would Become a district manager for Mills Morris Appliance Company in Memphis. This would lead to his becoming Kelvinator Appliance Company’s number one Salesman in the nation in 1977. He was loved by his wholesale customers who stayed in contact with him even in retirement.Throughout the 80s, he would continue to excel in sales and singing bass with the Kinsmen Quartet.  He wanted his family close by always, especially when it came to music and business. The 1990’s would bring a new family business and new combinations of family music. In 1989, Dewey founded Mid-South Marketing with his 3 sons and would service 6 states with furniture and import distribution.In the early 2000’s, Dewey’s dream of a family music venue, came to life. The Bollinger Family Theatre Would operate until 2012. In his retirement, He and Virginia travelled and reveled in their family until her death in 2013. His work ethic and love for family and friends, lives on in the next generation.

He leaves behind an expansive family to continue walking down the path of life in his absence; three sons: Anthony (Pam) Bollinger of Calhoun City; Eddie (Karen) Bollinger of Calhoun City; John (Melanie) Bollinger of Calhoun City; one sister, Sally Ann Bollinger Bount of Banner; six grandchildren: Matthew (Casey) Bollinger, Colby ( Haley) Bollinger, Lexie Bollinger, Morgan (Cameron) Timmons, Amanda ( Dustin) Alexander, Jonathan (Ashlyn) Bollinger; seven great grandchildren: Baylee Ray Bollinger, Easton Blain Bollinger, John Miller Finn, Kenna Bess Bollinger, Illa Kathryn Bollinger, Holden Levi Alexander, and Mason Ridge Alexander.

Dewey was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia Spears Bollinger; parents, Thomas Watson Bollinger and Hazel Morgan Bollinger; one brother, Thomas Eugene Bollinger.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Parker Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce. The funeral service remembering Dewey's legacy will take place on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11:00 in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Roger Reeder and Bro. Billy Hill officiating . Baylee Ray Bollinger, Colby Bollinger, Easton Bollinger, Jonathan Bollinger, Matt Bollinger, and John Miller Finn will carry Dewy to rest in Bruce Cemetery. Jerry Bowles, James Drake, J.D Long, Robert Melton, Les Morgan, Ronnie Morgan, Stephen Morgan, and Jr. Sewell will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The Staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bollinger family as they begin this new season of life. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.