Jim "Zeke" Ollis

Jim "Zeke" Ollis, 75, of Morganton left his family and friends on Friday, February 1, 2013; his big heart just gave up. Born in Avery County, NC on August 28, 1937, he was the son of the late Clayton Ollis and Edna Trivett Ollis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Zeke loved to fish with friends at Edisto Island and enjoyed the outdoors, including feeding birds and squirrels. He enjoyed tinkering, could fix anything, and was always willing to lend a hand. He especially loved spending time with his grandson, Nicholas.Zeke is survived by his wife, Pat McCall Ollis of the home; children, Anita O. Wilson of Avery County, Lynn O. Pollard and her husband, Doug, of Georgia, Drucilla O. Malone and her husband, Greg, of Hendersonville, NC, Darrell Ray Ollis of Rutherford College, NC, Amy O. Padgett of Morganton, and Russell Eugene Ollis of Lincolnton, NC; step-children, Lewie Kirk and his wife, Julie, Renee Bean, Holly Leonard and her husband, Scott, and Darryl Kirk, all of Morganton; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, McDonald Ollis; and a nephew, Mackie Ollis.In addition to his parents, Zeke was preceded in death by his brothers, Woodrow and George Ollis; and sisters, Mary Lee Randell, Mable Ollis, and Joyce Ollis.The memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2013 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service.Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.