John Walter Holland

Surrounded by family at home, John Walter Holland, 88, went to be with the Lord on January 28, 2021. John was born on October 5, 1932 in Mooresville, NC to the late Sara and John Wheeler Holland. His childhood was spent at Sunnyside Plantation, Wilmington, VA, Columbia Elementary School and Lyles Baptist Church, but he grew up farming in Middlebrook, VA, attending New Providence Presbyterian Church. Returning to Fluvanna, he lived at Carysbrook Plantation with his sisters where he graduated from Fluvanna County High School. After attending Iowa State College, he served in the U.S. Army, achieving a final rank of Sergeant.

John married Betty Jane Griffin on December 31, 1955 at Lyles Baptist Church. He served the community as a Deacon at Lyles Baptist Church, Farm Bureau Board Member and as a member of the Ruritan and Wilmington Clubs. He received the Boy Scouts of America Certificate of Merit for 34 years of service as a volunteer and Charter Representative. John raised beef cattle on White Rock Farm as a producing member of the Red Angus Association. As a member of the International Harvester Collectors Club, VA Chapter 41, he regularly participated in tractor shows and parades throughout Virginia for many years. One of his favorites was the 25 mile Tractor Ride in Floyd County. He also traveled to attend shows out of state. John and Betty enjoyed extensive travel by train to all 49 contiguous states, Canada and Mexico. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

John is survived by his wife, Betty Holland; three children, Martha Jane Holland Thorson (Larry), Patricia Anne Holland Stouffer (Bruce) and John Michael Holland (Sherrie); eight grandchildren, Kari Thorson Guastella (Ben), Eric Thorson (Priscilla Mullen), Lizzy and A.J. Stouffer, John, Mary, Allen, and Christy Holland; two great grandchildren, James and Linnea Guastella; sister, Helen Holland Baker; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Rittenhouse.

A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, VA. A graveside service will be held at 3pm on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Lyles Baptist Church in Palmyra, VA. Memorial donations may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Flowers may be given through Scarlett’s Flowers. For everyone’s health, please remember COVID-19 safety guidelines.