Randel Joseph "Randy" Holly Sr.

April 10, 1950, to August 25, 2025

Cowpens, SC - - Randel Joseph Holly Sr., known to most as Randy, passed away on August 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on April 10, 1950, Randy lived a bold and full life across Michigan, the Bay Area of California, Saudi Arabia, and South Carolina. Wherever he went, he carried strength, grit, humor, and a deep love for his family.

Randy was a husband, father, grandfather, builder, leader, and outdoorsman. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynne A. Holly; his children, Randel Joseph Holly Jr. with Deanna, Daniel Holly with Stephanie, Marcus Holly with Melissa, Anita Holly Smock with Andrew, Catherine Holly Forde with Fray, and Hunter Holly with Janna. Known affectionately as "Poppy," he is also survived by his grandchildren, Miles and Major Holly, John Arden Smock, and Landrey and Larkin Holly. His siblings, Sharon Kreider, Rick Holly with Julie, and Shellie Wylie with Scott, also survive him. He shared a close bond with his twelve nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Donald Holly.

Randy's career in healthcare construction spanned decades and left a lasting impact on communities across the country. A graduate of San José State University with a degree in engineering, he began his professional life as Chief Engineer at Winterland Studios in San Francisco, where he helped build iconic concert sets for artists such as The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. His path later took him to Saudi Arabia, where he helped construct hospitals before returning to the United States to lead major healthcare projects. He served as Engineering and Maintenance Manager at Tenet Healthcare and later as Vice President of Construction and Design at Health Management Associates, where he oversaw the successful completion of 33 hospitals on time, on budget, and with no change orders. "Zero change orders" became a classic response in the Holly household when negotiating with his children.

His work significantly expanded access to care in rural communities and earned him national recognition. Following Hurricane Katrina, Randy spent 16 weeks in Biloxi, Mississippi, helping to rebuild damaged hospitals. His dedication earned him a feature on The Montel Williams Show, where he was recognized as a healthcare hero. Over the course of his career, he received more than 50 awards for excellence in healthcare construction, including eight Eagle Awards. He was also named Corporate Employee of the Year by Health Management Associates. Most recently, as CEO of Holly Construction Consultants, he served as Owner's Representative for the replacement hospital project at Sunnyside Community Hospital in Washington. In every role, he led with vision, discipline, and unmatched expertise.

Outside of work, Randy's heart was always drawn to the outdoors. He especially cherished the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where he found peace and happiness at his second home. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and farming, and had a special bond with animals, especially his horses, cows, dogs, cats, and even an old barn snake he affectionately named Earl. He enjoyed good food, great wine, and the freedom of travel. But more than anything, Randy was a family man. He was thoughtful, strong-willed, and deeply loyal. He had a quick wit, a soft heart, and a steady presence. He faced every challenge with resolve and never lost sight of what mattered most. His faith was central to his life. In his final years, it gave him strength, courage, and peace. He faced his illness the same way he lived his life, with hope, resilience, and the knowledge that he was never walking alone. As a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, he fought his disease with more determination and heart than any match he ever stepped into.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Kings Mountain Preserve, 321 Indian Springs Road, Blacksburg, South Carolina. This is an outdoor venue. Guests are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and to carpool. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Randy was deeply loved, widely respected, and will be missed beyond measure. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the lives he touched, and the faith that carried him home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Randy's honor to one of the following organizations: St. Ignatius Mission, 300 Beartrack Avenue, St. Ignatius, Montana 59865 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC