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Gary Dean Holland, 73, of Flowery Branch Georgia passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Mr. Holland was born December 30, 1945 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was raised in Bethany, North Carolina and graduated from Guilford College. Upon graduation and after military service, he was employed by Sears, Roebuck & Co. for twenty-five years. He also worked with Auto Nation, Western Auto, and Southtowne Motors before he retired in 2009.
He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas “Buddy” Holland and Mabel Dodson Holland, and his sister Cathy.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Sue Dowell Holland; his cherished daughter and son-in-law, Deena and Bryan Coker; his adored grandchildren, Emily and Will Newton; and his paternal aunt, Shirley Holland of Reidsville.NC. He is also survived by his uncle, Harry Dodson of Burlington, and his many Dodson cousins with whom he recently enjoyed a family reunion of good food, fun, and great music.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to www.nghs.com/hospice and to Hall County Fire Station 5 in Flowery Branch, Georgia in thanks for their help and support while Gary fought this last battle.
Gary was known for his rapier wit and intelligence; he was a true Renaissance man who succeeded at anything to which he put his hand. His favorite phrases were “it is what it is” and “don’t ask me a question if you don’t want the answer.” He was an example of a man who lived life with integrity and honor, and he expected the same of others. His love of and pride in his family was without bounds. He started playing guitar after retirement and absolutely loved National Seashore Federal Park between Navarre Beach and Pensacola, Florida. Gary wants you to remember these things about him and to remember the good times that you shared as you honor his time in this world.
Georgia Cremation 3570 Buford Highway Suite 202 Duluth, Georgia 30096. 678-584-0914. Please share online memories at www.georgiacremation.com
Mary Kate Saunders says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Mr. Holland fondly.
Carol Wells says
Oh my goodness, Sue. We are out of town and just found out about Gary on Facebook of all places. I love you and will continue keeping you and you family in my prayers. I will call you soon.
Love, Carol (and Brick) Wells
Irene Dodson Schecter says
Dearest Sue, my heart aches for you,but Sweet Gary is now at peace in the loving arms of God. His fight is over, but yours will continue as you grieve for his loss. He will always be in your heart and part of your soul, but time will ease the pain. My prayers are with you as you go on this journey. I love you and I loved Gary, still do. We don’t stop loving when the body goes, it is just a different relaationship.
Joyce Dodson Crutchfield says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sue, Deena and family. Gary was a solid gold soul and will be greatly missed by all his Dodson people. REst In Peace Cousin!
Denise Beaver says
Sue..so sorry to hear this news. You and all of your family are in our prayers.
Ron and Denise Beaver
Greensboro NC
Lisa Howle says
I have loved Gary all my life as my cousin, but so glad I have had the pleasure to really get to know him and spend great quality time with him over the last few years. We had some wonderful times with you and Gary. Sue My heart aches for you, but I know you also didn’t want him to suffer. I love you both, Deena, Emily and Will. Gary loved you all so much. He was a lucky man to have so many people who loved him. Farewell my cousin and we will meet again someday.
Penny Friddle says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jerry and Nancy Barnes says
2 many memories to name. Our love for this family is so great, Sue, my BFF, Deana, Brian, Emily and Will, your husband, your Father and Grandfather was and is a very special man. With much love, Jerry and Nancy Barnes
Linda says
I don’t know how to express my feelings except to say I am so sorry for your loss of your life’s partner and friend and such s good man. May the coming days bring you peace and may you be able to experience joy once again . Love and blessings , Linda
Nathan Lee Dodson says
Once again Gary has set an example of how to live, how to meet life’s challenges, and how to face its ending. I admire his integrity, his energy, and his spirit. May we all cherish his memory even as we grieve for his passing out of this life.
Judy Johnson says
Sue, Deena, Bryan, Emily, Will and Family; there are so many wonderful memories of times spent together. Some of the things I enjoyed about Gary: great conversationalist, great cook, dedicated to the well-being of his family, hard worker and many others. So happy we got to celebrate his birthday last year. We all enjoyed the time together. Sue, you are an amazingly loving person and I have so much respect for you in your care and love for Gary. Deena, you have so much of your Dad in you and I love that. I love you all and hope to see you soon. Judy and Family
Martha Vernon McCollum says
Our deepest sympathy to the family. I was a 1963 classmate of Gary at Bethany. He was always a great guy when we were in school. Our paths only met a few times after school, but I remember keeping up with him by his mother. He was so very smart. I just learned a few days ago that he was sick. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Renola Void says
Praying for the family 🙏Mr Holland was our Mgr at Western Auto in Greensboro NC a very good man I loved to hear him talk about his daughter and he would just light up when he talk about Mrs Holland, please know we are praying for you and your family
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Garlin Goins says
I have not seen Gary since high school but he and I had a special relationship in school. I always admired his wit and caring feelings for his many friends. I have thought of him several times since he transferd to Atlanta from Greensboro.
Garlin Goins says
My condolences to Sue and Deana and prayers are with you. God bless.
Vicki Kitchens says
Dearest Sue,Deena, Emily, and Will…..I know how you are grieving but remember the good times and know how much Gary loved each of you. He was a very brave, courageous man, and showed this during his battle with cancer. I loved hearing him speak about Deena’s wedding and how happy he was to perform the wedding ceremony lat year.
I remember so many fun times but I’ll always remember Gary and Sue dancing in our kitchen last year to Ed Sheeran’s Song “Perfect”.
Rest In Peace our wonderful friend.
Love you all
Ann Griffin says
Not only a class mate but a cousin , his grandpa & my grandma were brother & sister . Gary was a good guy , Thought’s & Prayers
Wood says
Our sweet, kind, and friendly neighbor immediately made us feel like we were truly at “home” when we moved to Georgia. We cherish his clever wit, generous spirit, and of course his classic southern drawl! Our girls love Mr. Gary and Mrs. Sue as if they were their own grandparents. We miss you and are grateful for the time we had with you Gary.
Much Love and Prayers,
Mike, Laura, Emily, Olivia, Ava, and Adeline
Sue Holland says
You are my shining star. You are my courage and strength. I want the world to know. Two are better than one. I love you so. I believe your spirit has soared and you are in a beautiful place. I will miss you but I will always love you. The rest I will say a million times a day.