Howard Allan Holley
September 18, 1938 ~ October 10, 2021
Born in:
Pisgah, Alabama
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Howard Holley, age 83, of Lawrenceville, GA died on October 10, 2021 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Howard was born in Pisgah, AL on September 18, 1938 to Paul and Lois (Rains) Holley, both deceased. The family lived primarily in Five Points, La Fayette, and Auburn, AL. Howard graduated from Auburn University in 1960 with B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a 2nd Lieutenant Commission in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Following 2 years of active duty at Fort Gordon, GA and 3 years of reserve duty, he resigned with the rank of Captain.
Howard married Carolyn (Cramer) Holley in 1965 and through 56 years of marriage they have 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Howard is survived by Carolyn; daughter Cara Montrief of Suwanee, GA; son Travis Holley of Grayson, GA; grandchildren Lauren Holley, Zachary Montrief, Bryant Holley, Nicholas Montrief, and Caitlyn Holley; sisters Judy Holley, Martha Hall, and Debra Henzey; and brother Rodger Holley.
During his 39-year career, he worked in various facets of mechanical design, manufacturing, and hospital engineering. While in hospital engineering, he served as Engineer of the Year (1997) and President (2001) of the Georgia Society of Hospital Engineers. After retiring from full-time work, he continued another 10 years as a consultant in the Atlanta, GA area. He retired fully in 2012.
Howard loved his wife and enjoyed spending time together in their favorite activities. He has always been extremely proud of their grandchildren and their many accomplishments. Howard’s hobbies included woodworking, fishing, hunting, and antique clock restoration. The family has been active in their local church wherever they lived – SC, KY, CA, WI, and GA. Howard was honored to serve as a deacon for a time.
Visitation will be held October 17, 2021 at 2:00pm and the funeral service will follow at 3:00pm.
Services
Visitation: October 17, 2021 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
Funeral Service: October 17, 2021 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
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This is now the fifth close friend in the past 4 years that has succumbed to this disease. I remember vividly the first time Howard confided in me of his memory issues. At his suggestion I asked that we provide name tags in our life group class, Howard was a brilliant man and loved the LORD. And so Carolyn my dear we do not mourn as those with no hope because we know that Howard has a new mind, a new keen mind and that he is with our LORD and Savior JESUS forevermore. Pat and my prayers are with you and your precious family. I am currently in quarantine due to Covid once again and so we will not be able to be at the funeral. Love you my dear. Rick and Pat
The family and friends of this fine man will be in our prayers and thoughts now and in the days ahead.
In early childhood we lived on a 30-acre farm in Five Points, AL. As the oldest male child, Howard was expected to work more than his 3 siblings. He helped milk the cow, plowed fields with a mule, and gardened. He was outstandingly good at all of it. His young hunting skills helped supply our family with meat, and he could pick blackberries better than most adults. We had lots of blackberry pies and jelly.
At about 13, Howard made his own small vegetable garden, a structural masterpiece. Smooth, neat aisles and raised rows with 45-degree-angle sides and flat tops. I was stunned at the precision. And he was able to maintain this structure throughout the season. I didn’t know it then, but his garden foreshadowed the skilled work he would do all his life: professional engineer, woodworker, antique clock repairer.
Another special memory: Howard played high school basketball in LaFayette, AL. In an annual tournament, Howard made one of those legendary buzzer-beating, long-distance baskets, winning the game for LaFayette. Our family was very proud of him, as were many other people.
I could tell many more cherished stories about Howard.