John G. Holland

Judge John Gray Holland of Fort Smith entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 6, 2024. His life was defined by his love for the Lord, his love for his family, and his love for his community, his country, and the church.

John was born in Fort Smith, on October 20, 1925, to Cleveland Holland and Bertha Gray Holland. A product of the Fort Smith Public Schools, John attended Peabody Elementary and Fort Smith Junior High (Darby), before graduating from Fort Smith High School (Northside), where he was president of his junior and senior class, and he lettered in three sports.

Following high school, John served in the United States Army’s 100th Infantry Division. He served as a front-line, combat infantryman, in the European Theatre, during World War II. John was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was also awarded the Bronze Star. When asked about his time in the service, he said he was grateful to have “had the opportunity to do his part”.

Following the war, John pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas, where he was a member, and chapter president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he graduated with his juris doctorate.

John pursued his legal career in Fort Smith. He joined his father in private practice. Following his father’s death, John continued to work in private practice. Over the course of his career, he served for four years as Assistant City Attorney for Fort Smith, for 17 years as a United States Magistrate, and for seven years as a referee for Worker’s Compensation.

In 1974, John ran for, and was elected, to the position of Circuit Judge for Sebastian and Crawford Counties. He held this position until his retirement in December 1998. He stated that in his position it was extremely important to “be as fair to everybody as possible”. During his 24 years in office, he never once had anyone run against him during an election year. He was always listed on the ballot among the “unopposed” candidates.

While serving as Circuit Judge, John served for several years on the State Crime Lab Board. He worked with members of the community to implement an educational program, which provided elementary school students with field trips to the courthouse, and the opportunity to learn about making good choices. On occasion, he also had the privilege of conducting naturalization ceremonies for immigrants acquiring U.S. citizenship.

John’s life of service was not limited to his career. As a more than 70 year active member, and past president, of the Noon Kiwanis Club, he was recognized as part of the Kiwanis Legion of Honor. On occasion, he served as a panelist and moderator for Leadership Fort Smith, and throughout the years he served on various other committees and advisory boards.

John was the recipient of the very first Children’s Champion Award, which was given by the Arkansas State P.T.A. He was the 1998 recipient of the Community Service Award which was given by the Arkansas Judicial Council, to a colleague who has distinguished himself over the course of his career. He was awarded the Spirit of the Frontier Award, which was presented by Mayor Ray Baker, to residents who exemplified outstanding service to the community. He was also the recipient of numerous other awards and recognitions.

John was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, where he served as a deacon, taught a 12th grade Sunday School class for at least 17 years, taught a college and career Sunday School class, taught a senior adult Sunday School class for multiple years, and served as an usher. He served on the church’s 150th Anniversary Committee, and served in various other capacities over the years.

John was devoted to his family. He always put their needs and wants above his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Ann Louise Holland Thomas, and her husband Reuben.

John is survived by his wife Ann Brady Holland, his daughter Leslie Ann Holland of Fort Smith, his son John Eric Holland, and his wife Leona, of Baildon, England, U.K, and two granddaughters, Amelia and Naomi Holland of Baildon, England, U.K.

Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 16th at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, followed by a burial service at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. The family will be receiving visitors at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday, April 15th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Children’s Music Ministry, First Baptist Lottie Moon Ministry, C.U.R.E. (Compassionate Utilization of REsources), or to the Kiwanis Boys’ Summer Camp.