James Rodney Holland

James Rodney (Rod) Holland, 70, of Roanoke, Va., died on Friday, August 21, 2009. Rod was born in Roanoke, Va., on August 31, 1938, as the son of Leonard and Ora (Pat) Walters Holland.
After graduation from Jefferson High School in 1956, he entered military service with the Navy, serving aboard a Landing Ship Transport, and participated in the United States Marines action during the Lebanese crisis in the late 1950's.

After separation from the active U.S. Navy, he continued reserve service for several years. He began working for Norfolk and Western Railway at the beginning of his career in the mailroom, and finished his career nearly 40 years later as a Senior Computer Operating Systems Design Engineer with Norfolk-Southern Railroad. He continued to work at NS in computer systems security for seven years as a consultant. He also worked closely with his son in their Human Factors & Ergonomics Consulting business for many years providing essential computer and administrative support.

He was a member of Grandin Court Baptist Church for 35 years, and in the past eight years has been a member of Colonial Avenue Baptist Church. He served for many years as a deacon at both churches, and ran the sound equipment at both as well.

He was known as a very kind and selfless gentleman that had many friends, and took wonderful care of his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Darhlene Wright Holland; his daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Hamid Hasheminejad, CPA; his son, Dr. Dwight Holland; his "little buddy," Evan and brother, Ian Motley; and his granddog, Ranger.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his mother-in-law, Louvena Wright; and lifelong friends, Neil Angle, Paul Tolusso, and "G.W." Williams. He also lost many other relatives in recent years he deeply missed.

He received outstanding medical care at the Carilion Clinic during his month long, and previous hospitalizations. His medical care providers were exceptional on 9 South PCU/ICU. Special thanks to his many fine nurses and staff, his PA-C Sue Campbell, and Drs. Dexter DeLeon, Robert Keeley, Joe Baker, Scott Arnold/team, Lowell Inhorn, and Dr. Matthew Billups. The family also appreciates the pastoral support through the many years provided by the Revs. Hamner, Motley, J. Scott, M. Scott, Spangler, Johnston, and Meyer.

His Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Colonial Avenue Baptist Church. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131. Condolences by email may be sent to dwightholl@aol.com for the family.