Mr. William Humphries Holland (Bill), 89 of Sylvester, died on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the Willson Hospice House. The funeral service was held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Banks Funeral Home, interment followed in the Hillcrest Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Purnell officiated.
Born on August 5, 1929 to Benny Vernon and Edith Humphries Holland in Pelham Ga., Mitchell County.
At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the Marines to serve his country in World War II and was stationed from Camp Lejeune to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In 1949, he joined the Air Force and was part of the 305 Bombardment Wing. He graduated top of his class from Chanute Air Force Base Airplane Mechanic School and moved up the chain to become Senior Master Engine Mechanic and Crew Member for the Air Force Boeing B29 Superfortress Bomber. He was also Crew Chief on the Air Force KC97 Stratofreighter Refueler Airplane that refueled the B47 Stratojet Bomber. He was promoted to Air Force Staff Sergeant at the age of 22. Bill is considered a World War II and Korean War Veteran.
After leaving the Military service, he worked for the United States Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany as a Planner/Estimator for all tanks, amphibious and tracked vehicles until his retirement in 1986. Bill continued to advance his education by receiving an Associate in Arts degree from Albany Junior College. His Bachelor of Science and Master of Education were achieved at Georgia Southwestern College. He received a Bachelor of Laws and American Law and Procedure from LaSalle University, then the Juris Doctor degree from the Atlanta Law School. He was also awarded the Master Mason and Scottish Rite Master and Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Bill was an avid fisherman and spent enjoyable time in the Gulf waters at Panama City, Lake Eufaula and the Flint River. He loved to build furniture and work on his home. He was a member of Pinson Memorial United Methodist Church in Sylvester.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Betty McDonald Holland.
Survivors include his children, Edie H. Kane (Steve) of Stone Mountain, Ga, Priscilla H. Carter (Hal) of Sylvester, Ga and Rebecca H. Johnson (Jackie) of McDonough, Ga; grandchildren, Will Carter (Mindy), David Carter (Jamie), Eden Tresize (Neil), Erin Johnson (Jayson) , Jim Kane (Sarah), Courtney Wanamaker (Brandon), Candice Davis (Jon); 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. He leaves behind his beloved canine companions (Julie, Nate and JJ).
For those desiring memorials may be made to Pinson Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. Box 118 Sylvester, Ga. 31791 or the Willson Hospice House 320 Foundation Lane Albany, Ga. 31707.
Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester was in charge of the arrangements.
Banks Funeral Home P.O. Box 550 Sylvester, GA 31791 229-776-2055 Phone 229-776-5400 Fax www.banksfh.com