OLYMPIA, WASH. — Pfc. Nathaniel “Nate” J. Ollis, 29, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 9, 2012.

He was the son of John F. Ollis of Malden, Mass. and Janet M. Seavey of South Paris.

Nate was deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan with the Fifth Brigade, Second Infantry Division. In September 2009, he was seriously wounded when his stryker vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED). He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Medal of Excellence.

Nate was currently located in Washington State, serving with Bravo Company, Warrior Transition Battalion of Joint Base Fort Lewis-McChord. Recently Nate said, “Joining the Army was probably the most positive thing I ever did with my life and I have no regrets. A shout-out to the Fourth Battalion 23rd Infantry for keeping me alive and bringing me home back in 2009 and also to the families of Joseph White, Titus Reynolds and Sargent Smith, who were excellent soldiers and will always be my personal heroes, for giving everything to protect this nation.”

Nate was due to be discharged from the Army in two weeks.

Nate attended Harrison Elementary School before moving to South Paris.

Nate was known for his exceptional artistic ability, sense of humor/wit, love of music, playing his guitar and writing stories. His three children meant the world to him.

On Sept. 25, 2004, he married Callie Jo Stoodley.

Nathaniel was a soldier, husband, proud father, brother, son and friend who was taken too soon.

He is survived by his parents; his wife, Callie Ollis of Poland; his three children, daughter Willow Ollis, age 10, son Keegan Ollis, 8, and son, Aiden Ollis, 6; his sisters, Lisa Ollis Vrooman of Seabrook, N.H., Susan Gillis of Melrose, Mass., and Debbie Bednarz of Nashua, N.H.; and brothers, John Ollis of Ramsey, N.J., and David Ollis of Londonderry, N.H.

Nate was deeply loved by his siblings and parents and they will miss him very much.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 22 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Dillingham & Son Memorial Chapel, located at 62 Spring Street, in Auburn.

Funeral services honoring Nate’s life were held on Friday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Army Chaplain Earl Weigelt presiding. Graveside committal prayers followed at 2 p.m. with full military honors in the family lot at Forrest Hill Cemetery Annex in Bridgton.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.WoundedWarriorProject.org