FRANKLIN - Earl Holland, 90, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Leonard John Holland and Clara Belle Arnold Holland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Crisp Holland; sisters, Eunice Queen and Hazel Wentz; brother, Hyman Holland; brothers-in-law, Ernest Dendy and Ted Queen.
Earl was a member of Sugarfork Baptist Church for 59 years, where he served as the Adult Men’s Sunday School teacher, member of the building and grounds committee, as well as the counting committee. Mr. Holland was a veteran and served his country in the U.S. Army (1953-55). He was also a former member of the board of directors for the Cullasaja Gorge Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
Earl worked for Macon Program for Progress, helping build homes for 146 low-income families. Later he started his own business, “Earl Holland Builders,” and built many more houses. He enjoyed gardening, camping, cutting trees and selling firewood. At 89 years old, he climbed up in his dump truck and swept it out. He was not afraid of work and his hands proved it.
Earl loved the Lord Jesus Christ and continued to read chapters of the Bible each morning, but due to his health he was unable to read the last two days before he went to heaven. He raised his children in church and demonstrated the value of hard work and love in his family. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting rabbits, grouse, squirrels, turkey, groundhog and deer. He also enjoyed trout fishing and could be found along the Cullasaja River or Cliffside Lake multiple days of the week during fishing season. He spoke often of his friends, family and his “buddies” at breakfast at Hardee’s. He experienced the blessings of God throughout his life and was a great example to everyone. He is now reunited with his wife, Margaret, whom he missed dearly.
Mr. Holland is survived by his daughters, Becky Hurst (Billy), Nancy Dills (Ronnie) of Franklin and Sherry Brewer (Rick) of Franklin; grandchildren, Crystal Parker (Shaun), Michael McClure, Tommy VanHook, Holly Parlier (Dan), Patti Keener (Nathan), Jake Brewer (Amy) and Jeb Brewer (Cheyenne); great-grandchildren, Savannah, Kandice, Cassidy and Lance Parker, Cody, Austin and Jessie McClure, Alexis and Paige VanHook, Eliza Jane, Ever Parlier, Riley and Harper Keener, Luka, Jentzen, Truett, and Ziphorah Brewer; sisters, Obhdee Dendy and Ada Mae Morgan (Roger); brothers, Freddie Holland (Carolyn) and Homer Holland (Pat); five step great-grandchildren; and two step great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Sugarfork Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., one hour prior to the service. The Revs. Steve Reeves and Gene Hawkins will officiate. Burial will be in the Sugarfork Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Shaun Parker, Michael McClure, Tommy VanHook, Jake Brewer, Jeb Brewer and Scottie Thomas. Honorary pallbearers will be Richmond Crisp and all of Mr. Holland’s great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one’s choice; Cullasaja Gorge Volunteer Fire Dept, Sugarfork Baptist Church or Men’s Teen Challenge of The Smokies.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.