Billy Marvin Holland

Billy Marvin Holland, 93, passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2015, after a brief illness, surrounded by the family he loved. Bill was born in Axton, Virginia on May 8, 1922 to the late Arthur Bruce and Mamie Rilda Howerton Holland. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rives Lorine Holland and a brother, Arthur Bruce Holland Jr.

Bill graduated from Axton High School salutatorian of his class. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and was a pilot throughout World War II. Bill attended the University of Richmond, where he was president of his fraternity. In 1948 he completed his undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He had a successful sales career with General Electric, E.J. Brach & Sons, and retired from Wyeth in 1986.

Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan Clements Holland, whom he met on a blind date in 1954. He is survived by three daughters: Beth Ewing, Lynn Loveland, and Amy Holbein, two sons-in-law: Robert Ewing and Erwin Holbein, and four beloved granddaughters: Olivia and Charlotte Holbein and Elizabeth and Caroline Loveland. A beloved grandson, Alex Holbein preceded him in death in 2007. He is further survived by a sister, Martha Holland Browne and her husband Richard.

Over his long life Bill had many interests. He loved golf and was a charter member of MacGregor Downs Country Club where he was active on many committees and served a term as president of the Board of Governors. Bill was an avid reader of history, had a keen interest in the natural world, and remained well informed about world events. He was a great cook and an award-winning gardener. During their extensive travels he and Joan played golf and visited historical and cultural sites around the world. Bill was a devoted fan of all things Tarheel.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 221 Union Street, Cary, NC on Saturday, June 27th, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alexander Holland Holbein to the Alex Holbein Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent to The Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, or to a charity of your choice.