Hollis B. Johnson
In Memoriam
Hollis Bradford Johnson was born in Binghamton, New York on December 6, 1977 and departed this life on October 28, 2014. He was the son of Bradford and Pauline Johnson. He attended Prince William County Schools, graduating from Woodbridge High School in 1996. He attended Carson-Newman University, and from there he went to Montgomery College where he received his Associates Degree in Business Administration. After his graduation he attended The University of the District of Columbia where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management on May 8, 2004.
Hollis began his career working for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an administrator. He then spent the next 9 years at Freddie Mac where he started as a Contract Administrator and advanced to become a Contract and Business Operations Specialist. He enjoyed his career at Freddie Mac and the countless relationships he built with colleagues and friends over the years.
Hollis was known intimately by his many friends as “Hollywood” or “Wood”. Hollis loved sports, especially as a well-known basketball player and coach, and was also an avid football fan. He was a life-long fan of the New York Giants – in keeping with his upstate NY origins. He kept his Giants memorabilia and proudly wore his gear to Washington Redskins games. Hollis spent the majority of his life playing basketball starting at the age of 5. He played league, middle school, high school, AAU, and college basketball. Hollis won many awards throughout his career playing basketball. Hollis had charisma and was kind to whomever he met. Hollis was a special little boy and turned out to be a great young man.
Hollis was considered a “Social Media King”. He loved sending photos wherever he dined. He loved wings and you could be sure there would be an Instagram post of this recent dining experience. Hollis enjoyed eating good food and cooking for family and friends. He had a myriad of his own recipes, the origin of which he, jokingly, would not share with his Dad. He called himself a “Fake Chef”. Hollis also enjoyed shopping. He loved luxury fabrics, shoes, sneakers and most of all, a good deal at any stores and shops. A young man of many talents and interests, Hollis’ most recent hobby was the restoration of his 1973 Cadillac. He loved cruising DC, listening to old school music on an eight track. Although Hollis was only in his 30’s, his
appreciation for quality from the past showed that he was wise well beyond his years.
In remembrance of Hollis, his life, his legacy, and his love for all, the Hollis Bradford Johnson Scholarship (HBJ) Foundation was established in 2014 by his parents Mr. Brad and Rev. Pauline Johnson. This scholarship honors student athletes that are exemplary on/off the court and contribute to others in the community. Hollis loved people, life, work balance, family,
music, sports, academia, and living life to the fullest and the recipients of the this scholarship exemplify his deeds and spirit.