Frederick Donald Hollowell

Franklin – Frederick Donald Hollowell, 79, of Franklin, Virginia, passed away on October 4, 2026, just three days before his 80th birthday. He was born on October 7, 1946, to the late Robert E. Hollowell and Janice Lee Blythe Hollowell.

Fred grew up in Hunterdale and was a proud graduate of Franklin High School, Class of 1967. He was a member of the undefeated 1965 Franklin Broncos football team, where he played halfback. He later attended Virginia Commonwealth University before being drafted into the United States Army. He served in South Korea during the Vietnam conflict. After his military service, Fred eventually returned home to Franklin and worked at the paper mill for more than 25 years.

Fred was married to the love of his life, Maxine Day Hollowell, and passed away just one day shy of their 58th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life centered around family, laughter, hard work, and making memories. They raised three daughters: Heather Hollowell; Melanie Hollowell Outlaw; and Amber Hollowell Rikard.

Fred was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Bracey Outlaw, Garrison Outlaw, Keaton Rikard, India Vickrey, Blythe Outlaw, Emery Rikard, Atticus Vickrey, Arden Vickrey, and Culley Rikard. He loved his family dearly and treasured the time they spent together.

Fred was an avid golfer and a proud member of Cypress Cove Country Club. He loved traveling and playing golf, with favorite trips taking him to Myrtle Beach, Florida, Pebble Beach, and the islands of Hawaii. Fred and Maxine also enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, exploring all over the United States, visiting national parks, and driving through Canada. Some of his favorite memories were the trips and adventures he shared with his daughters and grandchildren.

Fred was always ready with a joke and had a way of lightening any room he walked into. He was the kind of person you could count on when you needed help. He worked hard, loved deeply, and never hesitated to lend a hand. His sense of humor, generosity, and ability to make people laugh will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his brother, Chuck Hollowell. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; his daughters, Heather Hollowell, Melanie Hollowell Outlaw and her husband, Sean, and Amber Hollowell Rikard and her husband, Mike; his nine grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Jo Hollowell Trinite and her husband, Chris, along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 18, at 3:30 p.m. at High Street United Methodist Church in Franklin. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember Fred, share stories, and celebrate the life he lived and the many people he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to High Street United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice—or, better yet, do what Fred would do. Enjoy a cold beer. Help your neighbor. Get outside and play a round of golf. Make somebody laugh. And enjoy the life you’ve been given.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org