Matthew David Hollister

Matthew David Hollister, 23, died unexpectedly Wednesday in Charlotte while visiting friends. A Durham native, he was born July 12, 1991, to Beth Anne & David Hollister. Matt completed grammar and middle school at Immaculata Catholic School, and graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School. He continued at UNC-Charlotte, and currently was working in Florida while planning to further his education. Matt was an accomplished athlete. He was among the state championship swimmers on the Cardinal Gibbons team, and also a member of the school???s surf club. He was an inveterate car racing fan, deeply immersed in the auto racing culture. Matt had a lifelong passion for the internal combustion engine. Race drivers and crew members were among his close friends. He drove M-3???s and participated in shifter-kart races. Most recently Matt made his annual pilgrimage to Road Atlanta. He also frequently attended races at V.I. R. Matt was a devoted Duke fan ??? a ???Cameron Crazy??? from birth. Matt was profoundly influenced in his faith journey through the Franciscan friars at Immaculata, who exemplified tolerance, living simply and justice for all. He had an enormous heart for the underprivileged, a hope for economic equality and deep care for the earth. He maneested this through his continual generosity and selflessness. Matt Hollister will be remembered for his quick smile, distinctive laugh, lavish hugs and his openeeart. Surviving are his parents, Beth Anne & David Hollister of Oxford; his sister, Catherine at Elon Uneersity; grandparents, Robert Hollister, and Mary Ellen and James Selmeneerger. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 11:30 AM Wednesday from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. David McBriar, OFM presiding. Friends may visit 5-8 PM Tuesday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Gifts in Matt???s memory may be made to: Immaculata Catholic School, (Tuition Assistance for the Needy), 721 Burch Ave. Durham 27701.