A professor in the mathematics department, H.G. Dollar III, died Monday at age 69. Dollar was known for being helpful and understanding to his students—attributes that impacted some of his former students beyond the classroom. 

Jessica Nenow, a junior graphic design major who took Elementary Statistics with Dollar, appreciated his willingness to help his students.

“Statistics was my least favorite subject and I could never understand it fully, but he was my favorite professor because he cared more than any other professor ever did, and probably ever will,” she said. “If I needed help, he would always be there.”

Emily Helton, a sophomore strategic communication major who took Elementary Statistics with Dollar last Spring, said he was not only a great professor, but a great listener as well.

“It was evident he cared for his students. He was a patient listener and would drop what he was doing to sit and talk with you,” Helton said.

Dollar was born on May 4, 1943. He graduated from Birdville High School in 1961 and completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, according to his obituary in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Dollar was also a lifelong member of Fossil Creek Community Church, formerly Rockwood Assembly of God and Rosen Heights Assembly of God.

Helton said his devotion to his faith set him apart from other professors.

“His love for God was evident in how he treated his students, and that is what made him different,” she said. “He urged me to be the best student and person I could be.”

Nenow said Dollar made sure to tell his students each day before class that they meant a great deal to him and that they blessed his life in many ways.

“Dr. Dollar was an extraordinary human who touched so many lives in his short time here on Earth and although he is not here with us in person he will forever live on in the hearts of his students,” Nenow said.

Bob Doran, a professor in the mathematics department, wrote in his guest book that Dollar's kindness to his students and friends stemmed from his faith.

“His genuine love toward his students and his fellow TCU faculty members remain as a testimony to his strong faith in his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” Doran wrote. “This faith was lived out daily with no pretense.”

Chancellor Victor Boschini said the flags will be at half-staff this week to honor Dollar, but the date has not been set yet.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Olivet Funeral Home in Fort Worth. The funeral will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at Mount Olivet Chapel.

Dollar was preceded in death by his parents.