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John Henry Holladay, Jr April 7, 1923 - August 4, 2024 |
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John was a decorated WWII pilot with distinguished service in Mediterranean Theater Operations and infantry. He served from 1943-1946, mostly in Italy. He attended Wofford College, Middle Tennessee State, and University of South Carolina where he majored in Chemistry. John was a member of his college boxing team and went on to become a professional boxer in the featherweight class never losing a professional bout. He received multiple awards which included the Golden Gloves champion. John spent the majority of his professional career directing Governmental Affairs for the banking industry. During his banking appointments he led multiple committees and boards that put him in high profile positions with politicians at both state and federal levels. He was an active philanthropist and served as director for many committees and organizations. He was a founding board member of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and was instrumental in the planning of the area that is now Saluda Shoals. John was passionate about serving his community and making a difference. He was regularly called to speak to community organizations about political and community concerns. He also led numerous other agencies, committees and non-profit organizations including Epilepsy Foundation of SC, Glenforest School, SC Bankers Association State Legislative Committee, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Congressional Action Committee, SC Mental Health Association, SC State Athletic Commission (Founding Chairman), Member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Seven Oaks CIA. John was an enthusiastic and motivated writer drawing on his wealth of life experiences. He published four autobiographical books and one fictional novel (co-written by his friend A. J. Joannides) as well as writing a political column for two weekly newspapers for four years. After retiring from the banking industry John dabbled in movies for a while acting as a double for both Rod Steiger and Mickey Rooney in “Animals” and appearing in “Who’s Your Caddy” with Paul Reubens. He was also in numerous local plays. During his retirement John also worked for several funeral homes as a funeral assistant and driver. John was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church for over 60 years and served as a leader on many committees. He was a president of the Traxler class and a member of several others. In 2020, John received the coveted South Carolina Order of the Palmetto Award presented to him by the Irmo Chamber of Commerce. Family and friends were especially important to John. He was happiest when he was in the presence of his wife, children and grandchildren. He spent many hours at special events always going the extra mile to make each person feel special and loved. John also never met a stranger. He was well loved and respected by friends, colleagues and acquaintances from all over the world. He made an impact on every person that came in contact with him. John is survived by his daughters, Linda Kennedy (Jim), Judith “Judi” Holladay Bledsoe, and Jennifer “Jeni” Yates (Kevin); grandchildren, John Michael Holladay, Christy Boaman (Lee), Taylor Hydrick, Jordan Hydrick, Benjamin Bledsoe, Sunni Caskey, Kailey Yates, and Tristan Young; and 8 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Washington Street United Methodist Church. The Reverend Mike Alexander will officiate. Burial will follow in Bush River Memorial Gardens with military honors by the US Army. Memorials may be made in John’s name to Washington Street United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen or the Epilepsy Foundation of SC. For those unable to attend the service, live streaming is available.
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