John William Holley

John graduated from Gainesville High School where he was a versatile athlete and participated in basketball and baseball. John met the love of his life, Julia Jeanette Fender on a hayride in 1950. The two were married on February 22, 1953 and recently celebrated 69 years of marriage.

John was a man of God and cherished by all who were blessed to know him. He devoted his life to the service of his country, community, church, and family. He served in the United States Army for 2 years followed by two years of service as a police officer in Gainesville, Florida. John reenlisted in the military and served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, where he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent and was decorated with numerous military ribbons and medals. Throughout his military career, John was stationed in several countries around the world including England, Taiwan, Korea and 6 different states in the U.S. Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, John worked for the Clear Creek ISD Transportation Department for 25 years. John was an active member of Texas Avenue Baptist Church and University Baptist church and served as a Deacon for 40 years. In his retirement, John was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Julia Jeanette Fender Holley, their two children; Patricia Ray Rodgers and John (Jay) Holley Jr. and wife Debbie, his 7 grandchildren: Natasha Rodgers, Holley Brown and husband Andrew, John Rodgers and wife Yoon, Ryan Ray and wife Britni, John (Trae) Holley III, Cody Rodgers, and Kyle Rodgers, and his 11 great-grandchildren; Ethan Smith, Lila Brown, Alexandra Manger, Julia Brown, Emma Ray, Courtney Manger, John (LJ) Holley IV, Calissa Rodgers, Eli Ray, Jack Rodgers, and Evan Ray. John is preceded in death by his parents, his brother George Leonard Holley, sons-in-law; Dr. Gerald Ray and Dr. Roger Rodgers, and grandson; Justin Ray.

A visitation for John will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm with a funeral service to begin at 3:30 pm and a committal service to follow. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are John (Jay) Holley Jr., John (Trae) Holley II, Ethan Smith, Andrew Brown, and Ryan Ray.