Joe Bertrum Hollowell Jr., Farmer and Former Commissioner, Dies at 85

Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, October 15, 2026 —

Joseph “Joe” Bertrum Hollowell Jr., a farmer who served as a Chowan County commissioner and later joined the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission, died Sept. 27 at age 85.

Colleagues remembered Hollowell for his civic engagement, knowledge of wildlife and commitment to coastal management efforts in North Carolina. The account of his passing did not specify the year or location of his death, or provide a cause.

Hollowell’s public service included roles at both the county and state levels. He was a former member of the Chowan County Board of Commissioners and a recent member of the state’s Coastal Resources Commission. The available information does not give the dates of his county service, when he joined the commission, or how long he served on it.

His work as a farmer and his involvement in public bodies are among the details provided about his life. Colleagues’ recollections also point to wildlife expertise and engagement with coastal management, though no specific projects, decisions or contributions were identified.

No further biographical details, including information about his family, education or funeral arrangements, were provided. The available account likewise did not include direct statements from colleagues or details about how Hollowell’s commission responsibilities may be handled following his death.

Hollowell was 85. His death was reported as occurring Sept. 27; the year was not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Kip Tabb on coastalreview.org, see more information here.

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