Jerry Lamar Holland

 Jerry Lamar Holland, 82, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep during the morning of May 26, 2023, at his home. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 3, 1940, to the late Mary Ellis. He served proudly in the U.S. Army and retired from American Plastics.     

People loved Jerry. In his final weeks, Jerry was visited by many friends and relatives to say their final goodbyes. Jerry was fortunate to have a wonderful caregiver and companion in Joyce Wallace, who was his girlfriend for 25 years. Joyce took good care of Jerry in his final days and showed him kindness and compassion. She was his rock and his comfort in his last days. Especially important was Jerry’s acceptance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom Jerry established a relationship during his final months.     

Many family members survive Jerry. He has a daughter, Julie Oliver and a son, Brad Hawk. He has two living sisters are Joanne Griffin and Jeanette Arp. Jerry was blessed with four children, six grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Jerry had a special bond with his nephew, Skip Arp, who is a successful dirt track racecar driver. Jerry was very proud of Skip’s achievements and always cheered him on. In his last days, Jerry asked repeatedly about his nephew and even imagined the racecar in the driveway. Jerry showed much love for his grandchildren, including his most recent great-grandchild, Holan Wilson, who brought him special joy and happiness. Holan always made Jerry smile.     

Jerry was preceded in his death by his parents, his brother Jimmy Holland, his daughter, Tina Wilson, and his son Larry Hawk. Jerry was greatly touched by each child’s valiant struggle with cancer. Father and children shared the ability to face adversity and pain with dignity and strength.     

Jerry enjoyed good food and great company. He excitedly visited his family for special occasions, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. He always complimented the awesome food of Joe and Tina and Jeanette. Despite his great appreciation for a good home cooked meal, Jerry especially enjoyed the comforting simplicity of a tasty bologna sandwich, which he ate almost every day.     

After his discharge from the military, Jerry returned to Chattanooga and worked at Quaker Oats Corporation for 28 years until the plant was closed. American Plastics was blessed to find this hard worker and Jerry toiled until his retirement. He was a loyal and dedicated employee who always gave his best.     

Jerry knew how to relax. He was a dedicated sports fan, and he especially loved baseball and football. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Vols, and he never missed a game on television or radio. He also enjoyed sitting in the plush recliner that was a gift from his daughter, Tina, and son-in-law, Joe, watching the westerns and wrestling that he loved so much.     

Jerry also loved animals, especially his dogs Roxy and Daisy, who were his beloved companions until they died several years ago. Jerry enjoyed playing with them in their younger years, when the dogs would run excitedly in the back yard, chasing after sticks, balls, and rabbits. In the pains of their old age, Jerry made special efforts to keep these dogs comfortable. Jerry missed them terribly and he always reminisced fondly.     

Jerry was a good man who lived a full and rich life. He touched many lives with his generosity and warmth. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

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