Bobby Ray Holland

Bobby Ray Holland, 79, of Florence, SC passed away on Monday, November 30, 2015.Mr. Holland was born in Portsmouth, VA on August 7, 1936.He was the son of the late Mack L. and Mabel C. Holland.He was the devoted husband of 55 years to the late Kay Saunders Holland. Mr. Holland was a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.He attended the United States Naval Academy before receiving an honorable discharge for medical reason.He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial engineering from Virginia Tech in l962.Mr. Holland retired from DuPont of Florence after 30 years. Mr. Holland was a devoted member of Highland Park United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities throughout his 53 years of membership.He was an active member and teacher of the Friendship Sunday School class.Over the years, Mr. Holland served and led various committees such as the Administrative Board, Finance, and Methodist Men. He enjoyed passing his love for sports to children through coaching the Florence Recreation football, Dixie Youth baseball, the Florence Family YMCA, and church league basketball.Through his guidance as a coach and a Big Brother, he touched the lives of many generations of youth in Florence. Over the years, Mr. Holland was also involved in various civic organizations.He was currently a member of the “Golden K” Kiwanis Club, where he led the Elementary School Reading Club.He also served as a carrier for Meals on Wheels.He was a proud supporter and charter member of the Florence Family YMCA.His passions also included spending time with his family, playing all sports in his younger years, especially competitive tennis.He equally enjoyed a competitive game of bridge, and cherished his friendships made through various bridge clubs. Surviving are his children:Michael (Rhonda) Holland and Kim (Norwood) Bonnoitt, both of Florence; Grandchildren:Courtney (Joe) Coker of Goose Creek, Taylor Jane Holland of New York, and Callie Bonnoitt of Florence; a sister: Marjorie Balderson of Portsmouth, VA; a sister-in-law, Eloise Holland of Suffolk, VA and many beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Kay Saunders Holland, his parents, and siblings: Aubrey Holland, Lindsey Holland, William “Buddy” Holland, Doris Hollowell, and Thelma Eure, all of Virginia. Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 on Friday, December 4, 2015, at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 1300 Second Loop Road, Florence, SC. Please sign the tribute wall for Mr. Holland at the obit section of www.stoudenmiredowling.com