J. L. Holliday

1925 - 2017

J. L. Holliday passed into his life of peace on May 3, 2017. He was 91 years old. He was born to Robert and Zula Montgomery Holliday on June 27, 1925, in the Mitchell community of Tippah County. He was one of 13 children (one girl, 12 boys) and there were many stories about growing up in a large family on a working farm. He attended Mitchell School in the 1930's and did have to walk over a mile to school barefoot in the summer. In the winter, boots and shoes were shared. He was one of the youngest of the family. The stories he and his brothers told were heartwarming and of mischievous acts and being frequently in trouble. He entered the US Army in December 1943, and served in the European and Pacific Theatres. While he was in service, there were 8 Holliday brothers actively serving during WWII across the world. He was discharged in September 1946. He married Martha Evelyn Smith Holliday on September 11, 1947. He received his first Bible in 1948, after he married. They attended Dumas Baptist Church as a young married couple. They were married for 59 years. She preceded him in death on January 8, 2006. He remained devoted to her memory throughout the remainder of his life. He was a man of God with a strong religious faith. He served as a deacon at Oakhaven Baptist Church in Memphis, TN and Springdale Baptist Church in Ripley, MS.

Throughout his life, he was physically active and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a hunter, always had dogs and many friends. He had a garden up until recently and was always anxious to give his produce to others. He loved cooking and eating and ensuring that everyone who visited him had plenty to eat. He was a good father and a wonderful grandfather to his three grandsons. They all have "Paw Paw" memories that we continue to cherish and enjoy.

He worked for years at Tippah Electric and made many friends among co-workers and customers. After retiring from Tippah Electric, he worked for 17 years with his son-in-law, Shan, and grandson, Clint, at Professional Land Services. He spent his time with them trudging across rough land, slogging through low water covered with weeds and ticks. He loved this kind of work. Often the most important part of his day would be when they broke for lunch and ate food he wouldn't likely be able to get at home such as rag bologna, Vienna sausages and bags of potato chips.

Services will be Saturday, May 6, 2017, 11:00 AM at Springdale Baptist Church in Ripley, MS with Military Honors. Bro. Stacy McKee and Bro. Steve Holliday are officiating. Burial will be in Wier's Chapel Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 5, 2017 from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM and Saturday Morning from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM at McBride Funeral Home then continuing at 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Church.

He is survived by his two daughters: Becky Waldon (Phil) of Blue Mountain, MS and Jan Tidwell (Shan) of Ripley, MS

three grandsons: Clint Tidwell (Angie), John Tidwell (Crystalyn) and Jay Waldon (Nikki); five great-grandchildren: Jacob, Ellis, Ty, Max, and Nola. Pallbearers are Patrick Shelton, Robbie Rowland, Ricky Shelton, Don Montgomery, Ed Holliday, Steve Holliday. Honorary Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons.

Family request memorial donations to: J.L. and Martha Holliday Scholarship at Springdale Baptist Church, 581 E. Walnut Street, Ripley, MS 38663, or to Wier's Chapel Cemetery Fund, 306 N. Main Street, Ripley, MS 38663.

Expression of Sympathy for the Holliday family may be sent to: www.mcbridefuneralhome.com