2017 Hollis Gainey

Colorado City, Texas

Mar 9, 1936 – Mar 9, 2017

As one of the fastest sprinters in Texas history, Hollis Gainey scorched the history books. Hollis Gainey was a part of two world record-setting relay teams in the 440-yard and 880-yard relays. They were the first team to run the 440-yard relay in under 40 seconds (39.9 seconds at the 1957 Kansas Relay). Gainey earned All-America honors in 1957.  Bobby Morrow, an Olympic Gold medalist, and Eddie Southern were his primary competitors. 

As one of the fastest sprinters in Texas history, Hollis Gainey scorched the history books. Hollis Gainey was a part of two world record-setting relay teams in the 440-yard and 880-yard relays. They were the first team to run the 440-yard relay in under 40 seconds (39.9 seconds at the 1957 Kansas Relay). Gainey earned All-America honors in 1957.  Bobby Morrow an Olympic Gold medalist and Eddie Southern were his primary competition. 

“I remember watching them run, and that relay team could really burn it up,” legendary UT football coach Darrell Royal told the American-Statesman in 1998. “They were really something.”

Obituary

Hollis was born March 9, 1936 to Hollis H. Gainey Sr. and Helen Gainey. Hollis grew up in Colorado City and graduated from Colorado City High School in 1955 where he participated in both football and track. Upon graduation he attended the University of Texas on a track scholarship. Upon graduation in 1959 he served 2 years in the Military. On August 12, 1960 he married Nell Johnson, they were blessed with 56 years of marriage and were best friends. Hollis enjoyed 41 years in teaching and coaching and also obtained his masters degree from Sam Houston State University in 1966.
Hollis was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers E.L. Bob Gainey and Harold Gainey. He is survived by his wife Nell Gainey, two sons, Dan and wife Catherine and Patrick all of Colorado City, one daughter Rhonda Puckett and husband Ronny of Wildwood Missouri, grandchildren Ryan, Derek and Fiancé Shelby Gordon and Dillon Gainey of Colorado City, Katie and Brandt Puckett of Wildwood MO, Parker and Aubrey Gainey and Addie Shoffner all of Lubbock.
At his request his ashes will be spread at a special place above the banks of the Colorado River overlooking “Little Blue” on the Gally and Mickie Neff Ranch. It was here he enjoyed listening to the music of the night along with other friends of the night.
In Hollis’s honor – go out and view a beautiful sunset or view the beauty of a full moon rising above the horizon, or enjoy the beauty of an evening thunderstorm or beautiful rainbow. Who knows there really may be a Land of Oz.
If desired donations may be made to The Mission or Senior Citizens at Wallace.