William Eugene Holloway

William Eugene Holloway, 91, formally from Monroe County, Louisville and Willisburg, KY, passed into heavens gates on August 8, 2016 after a short hospital stay. Born in Monroe County, he was the son of William Herbert Holloway and Ada Page Holloway. He was preceded in death by his wife and lifelong soulmate Nelda Chapman Holloway and his brother James Garfield Holloway.

William, or Bill as most people knew him, grew up farming with his family until he joined the United States Navy in 1944. Before shipping out to server in World War II, he married Nelda when they were only 16 and 19 years old. After his discharge from the US Navy, he came home to his young wife and a new son, Roger William Holloway. They soon moved to Louisville where he worked at Fetter Printing Company for over 35 years. He also built houses “on the side” working two jobs to provide for his family. Homes throughout the Louisville area still stand proudly serving the families inside because of his excellent craftsmanship. A daughter, Rowena Holloway was born in 1954 to round out the family. He joined the Sunset (915) Masonic lodge in 1952 and proudly became a Master Mason and remained such throughout the remainder of his life. He truly lived the life of a Mason. William came to know Jesus and joined Aurburndale Baptist Church (ABC) in 1965, although he had been attending with his family for many years. He lived the life of a faithful Christian and passed these values down to his children. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, great grandfather, friend and mentor to all he met. He and Nelda opened their home to the youth at ABC and enjoyed making pizzas and homemade ice cream for them on Sunday nights to keep them out of trouble. He raised rabbits of all kinds for more than 15 years and was a member of the Falls City Rabbit Breeders Association. He showed rabbits in the KY State Fair and other venues and at one point other members were reluctant to enter their stock because it was believed that Bill’s rabbits could not be beat since he had won the blue ribbons for many years. Numerous people bought his bunnies and loved them as their own and countless children were delighted to play with them while visiting his home. He was a master craftsman throughout his life and made everything from wooden carvings to furniture. Pieces of his work are passed throughout his family and friends and will now be cherished. He also made homemade wine that he shared with his family and friends and passed this love on to his nephew Jimmy Holloway, where the Holloway tradition continues. His nieces Wanda, Rhonda, and Freda also carry his memories.

He was a faithful husband for 68 ½ years until he lost his wife, Nelda, in April 2013. He never stopped grieving for his soulmate and often spoke of how much he missed her and would love her for all eternity. His family takes great comfort in knowing they are walking the streets of gold together.

Survivors include his loving son Roger, wife Brenda and their two children Tina (Whatley) and Chris. He was very proud of his one great grandson William Joseph Levi Whatley, all of Vernon AL. His daughter Rowena, of Willisburg, KY cared for him the last three years and fondly remembers those times they shared. He is also survived by two sisters in law, Wanda Witty and Laverne Fraizer. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends also survive and hold him dear in their memories. One cousin, dear old schoolmate and friend J.L. Copas was especially close to William and they kept their old memories and new adventures alive by talking weekly on the phone. Many of his “adopted” daughters supported him and Rowena in the past years and he came to love them as his own. Virginia, MaryAnn, Cathie, Kim, Anne and others loved him as their “dad” also. Stan (Skip) Craig was and endearing friend for over 40 years and will officiate over the funeral services. Many folks from ABC were touched by William and Nelda and their faith. Other special friends come to mind but are too numerous to mention, as he seemed to touch the lives of all he met.

William’s funeral will be held at the Arch Heady Funeral Home on Taylor Blvd in Louisville on Saturday, August 13, 2016. The service will begin at 10:00 am with a graveside military service at Louisville Memorial Gardens to follow. Visitation will be held on Friday August 12, 2016 at the funeral home from 5-8 pm. A Masonic ceremony will be conducted by the Masons from Sunset Lodge at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, it was William’s wish that donations be given to St. Jude Children’s Memorial foundation or to Aurburndale Baptist Church, in his memory.

William Holloway lived a full and enjoyable life. If he were here to deliver words of wisdom, he would share that we should each go out and touch the lives of others, spreading his enduring faith and love to all we meet. Pass it on…..and it will come back to you ten-fold. He knew this was true and wishes it for all that grieve his passing but rejoice in the celebration of his life and his eternity in Heaven.