POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Hollis R. Sawyer, 88, passed away Feb. 27, at Holy Cross Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Jackman, to Reed Sawyer and Naomi (Newton) Sawyer. He lived in Jackman, until he graduated from high school.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While he was stationed in England, he met his wife Sylvia. They were married for 65 years. After the war, he and Sylvia made their home in Skowhegan.

At the beginning of his career, he worked for the Depositor’s Trust Co., but he was soon offered a job by Richard Sampson, who had just built his first grocery store. Eventually, he and Sylvia lived in Augusta, Lisbon Falls and Auburn during the many years he worked for Sampson’s Supermarkets.

After a long career contributing to the grocery chain’s success, he was appointed president. During his lifetime, he was active in the 4-H Club, Rotary and he was a member of the VFW. After retirement, he and Sylvia settled in Pompano Beach, Fla., and traveled extensively. They toured many countries and all the U.S. states. They also visited friends and relatives in England and New Zealand.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; six children, Wendy Downey and husband, Michael, Warren Sawyer and wife, Nancy, Gregory Sawyer and wife, Susan, Bradley Sawyer, Sandra Tassinari and husband, George Greenwood and Cheryl Buerhaus and husband, Jeff; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his daughter, Susan. He will be remembered always as a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather.