John Eggleston Holladay Sr.

1925 - 2021

John Eggleston Holladay, Sr.

Knoxville - John Eggleston Holladay, Sr., aged 96, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021. He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on March 21, 1925, the eldest son of the late William Edward Holladay, Sr. and Nancy Eggleston Holladay.

John's college career at Virginia Military Institute was interrupted, after his freshman year, when he and other cadets of his class were enlisted to go abroad during WWII. After the war, he returned to complete his studies in Electrical Engineering. He donated his diploma for preservation in the VMI archives as his Class of 1949C was the only class to have their diplomas signed by General George C. Marshall. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Army Reserve Officer. He was activated again in 1950 to serve in the Korean Conflict where he was seriously wounded and received the Purple Heart.

John's first job after college was with the Army Corp of Engineers. Soon after returning from his service in Korea, he began a long and distinguished career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. He was actively involved in several professional organizations including IEEE and the National Management Association.

He was a faithful member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church and was active in service to the church until his later years. He will long be remembered for his love of God and family as well as his gentle strength.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Frances Beville Holladay and their infant son, Thomas Beville Holladay; and brothers, Dr. William Edward Holladay and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Lewis Gregory Holladay. He is survived by his children, Deborah H. Andrews (Craig), John E. Holladay, Jr. (Kathy), Phyllis A. Holladay, and Robert Edward Holladay (Anett); grandchildren, Amy, Brian, and Jethro; great-granddaughter, Hazel; and sisters, Nancy Holladay Blanco and Suzanne Holladay Davis.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home. Chapel service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a brief graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fountain City Presbyterian Church, 500 Hotel Road, Knoxville, TN 37918 or The Class of 1949C Scholarship Fund, c/o VMI Alumni Agencies, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450-9983. Condolences may be left at www.berrylynnhurst.com. Masks and social distancing protocols are in effect.