Donald James Holland

EAGLE LAKE, FLORIDA; Mr. Donald James Holland, 75, died of resp. failure on Sat., May 5, 2012. He was born Jan. 25, 1937 in Gloversville, NY. Graduated from Gloversville High School, class of 1955. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 5th, 1955, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer (Storekeeper) on Sept. 18th, 1975, at Virginia Beach, Virginia. He came to the Winter Haven area on Oct. 10, 1975, and graduated from Polk Community College in Aug. 1979. He retired as the Executive Vice President of the East Polk County Association of Realtors, Inc., Jan. 1999, after 19+ years. He was an honorary life member, secretary and newsletter editor, of the Florida Chief Petty Officers Association. He was a Past Commander, and Honorary Life Member of Frierson-Nichols American Legion Post 8 and Honorary Life Member of the Haynes-Hedrick VFW post 4289, in Winter Haven. He was also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the Tin Can Sailors Association, The LST Sailors Association and the Fleet Reserve Association. Mr. Holland is survived by two daughters, Traci Lynne Holland of Lakeland and Holly Sue Dees of Murphy, NC, one grandson, Michael of Lakeland, his sister Margaret Santangelo of Johnstown, NY, Also survived by many nieces and nephews in several states. He was predeceased by his wife Sally G Holland, father and mother, John Patrick Sr. and Ida (McDonald) Holland. Also predeceased by three brothers, John Patrick Jr., Robert W. Sr., and Edward J., Sr. and three sisters, Virginia Edick, Harriet Sprung, and Mary Schaf. Visitation Thursday from 6-8 PM at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, Winter Haven. Graveside Service Friday 5/11 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell with military honors rendered by the VFW. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the chairty of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ott-laughlin.com