Richard Lee (Benge) Ollis, age 58, of Elizabethton, TN, formally of Buladean, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 26th, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late Richard and June Ferguson Benge. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Daisy Benge; an infant sister, Velma Sue Benge; cousins: Brenda Fritz and Peggy Fritz and a brother-in-law, Fred Byrd.
Richard was an avid antique collector, his favorite finds being furniture, collectable dolls and dishes. He enjoyed riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway and will always be known as a jokester, loving to tell ghost stories and pulling pranks.
Surviving is his loving husband, Wayne Ollis; father and mother-in-law, Johnny and Revonda Ollis of Newland; sister, Barbara Byrd of Buladean; brother, Roger Benge (Lisa), of Burnsville; best friend whom he loved like a sister, Tracy Grindstaff (Jeff) of Spruce Pine; brother-in-law, Doug Ollis (Lisa); sisters-in-law: Tammy Guinn (Robert), Pam Bowden (Rusty) and Missy Andrews (Matt); nieces and nephews: Alicia Presley (Jason), Danielle Benge, Matthew Benge (Maggie), Jordan Benge and Samantha Benge and his “baby” Ellie Mae. Several other extended family members also survive.
A service to celebrate Lee’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1st, 2024 in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Larry Garland and Tracy Grindstaff will officiate. Music will be under the direction of Ron “Tim” Taylor. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in the Butler Cemetery at Spring Creek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with expenses.
To send an online condolence or to make a memorial donation please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
