Andy Stephen Holland

He was born with an extra side of awesomeness with Down Syndrome on April 5, 1984 in Wilmington, NC. Andy is the son of Alinda Holland Pierce of Charlotte, NC and Stephen C. Holland, of Maple Hill, NC. He was also masterfully co-parented by his step dad, H. Ray Pierce, of Charlotte, NC.

Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Carrie Anne Holland, whom he always missed dearly. He is survived by all of his parents; his brother, Jeffrey C Holland and wife, Sydney and their three children, Stratton, Kenny and Reagan, all who were his shining joy; his five cousins and friends, Haydn Hasty Jr. (wife, Amanda and children, Kellen and Emery), Hayley LeSuer (husband, Dan and children, Briggs, Harper and Hannah Kate), Christopher Guin, Michael Guin and Christian Furnari (wife, Morgan); his aunts and uncles, Cyndi and Vince Furnari, Allen L Guin, III (deceased), Fred and Patricia Guin, and Cherri and Jerry Propst. His loving grandparents, Al and Linda Guin and Alexander and Elsie Holland are deceased.

Andy graduated from East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, NC. He spent his time between Charlotte and Wilmington. His daily mission was adventuring, riding his bike around town (especially Wrightsville Beach) and a good cheeseburger plain! Andy surely got his adventurous spirit from his mom, Alinda. Andy loved BIG and lived BIG. He was always the life of the party and when he arrived, it was known by all! He was a great athlete and enjoyed Special Olympics sports. He was a softball pro and always hit a homerun every time at bat! He will be missed by his Mecklenburg Eagle softball team! Andy had a passion for hunting thanks to his “best father,” Steve, his “best brother,” Jeff and his “best dad,” Jerry. He was also an avid fisherman and starred in Bass2Billfish for five different annual episodes, thanks to his teammate Sande Kirby, who loved him dearly.

Andy was very smart and a great and conscientious helper on any project. He loved his job with Chuck at Marina Grill, Wilmington, NC and appreciated the opportunity to work. If anybody was slacking off at work, Andy would “fire” them! He enjoyed charity work by helping Blake assemble new bikes for Jimmy’s Bike Drive in Wrightsville Beach. He also helped “best dad” Jerry build a deer stand while they were hunting.

Andy was independent and had a mind of his own and could be stubborn at times. But, as everyone knew, Andy had the biggest heart and if he loved you, you knew it! Andy adored his niece, nephews and cousins. His family equally adored him and he enjoyed his time with friends and family. His laugh was contagious! His wit always garnered a laugh, even from the straightest of faces. Every photo he is in, his joyful spirit shines! We are all very proud of Andy and his accomplishments. Andy was a remarkable gift from God to his family and to all who loved him. Loving, caring, funny, chivalrous, thoughtful, kind and purposeful … we will forever miss you, Andy Boy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Covenant Church, 210 Station Road, Wilmington, NC. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of service. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church fellowship hall.

Contributions in honor of Andy may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or The Down Syndrome of Greater Charlotte.