Edward Wilson Holland

Athens, GA - Mr. Edward Wilson Holland, affectionately known as "Eddie," was born on April 3, 1943, in Maryland to the late Earl Dennis Holland and Audrey Gillett Holland.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annabel F. Holland; two sons, Calvin Holland and Edward "Butter" Holland; his parents; Mr. Allie Purnell, Sr.; a cherished aunt, Mable Wright; a devoted longtime companion, Margarett Tull; two brothers, Ernest Holland and Clifton Holland; one sister-in-law, Roberta Purnell.
Eddie graduated from Worcester High School in 1961 and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962. He dedicated 22 years of honorable service to his country, retiring with the rank of Boatswain's Mate/Petty Officer First Class. His military career spanned pivotal eras, including the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Eddie was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Fourth Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal (Second Award), the Southwest Asia Service Medal, a Letter of Commendation from Commander Biron Ten, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.
After his military retirement, Eddie continued to serve others through his work as Maintenance Supervisor at Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury, Maryland, where he worked faithfully for 20 years.
Eddie will be remembered for his service, his storytelling, and his big-hearted nature. He loved life deeply and shared that love generously with his family, friends, and bonus family. A father to biological, step, and bonus children, Eddie found great joy in family gatherings, backyard conversations, and the simple pleasures of life, cutting grass, playing spades, watching westerns, NBA and NFL sports games, talking on the phone and hunting for thrift store treasures. His humor, sharp wit, and colorful tales of days gone by will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though Eddie is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His kindness, laughter, and legacy of love will continue to inspire and comfort his family for generations to come.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Julie Holland, Wanda Ingram, Virginia Cheeks, Angela Dodley, Rickie (Renee) Fisher Sr., and Sherman Fisher; two devoted granddaughters, Tenisha Cole and Tanze (Brandon) Cole; other grandchildren, Martavious (Jamia) Foster, Darius Cole, Thomas Greene, Terrance Greene, Sierra, Ceona, Ricky Jr., Jordan, Sidney, and Ceasar; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelena (John) Williams, Mary Marshall, Earl (Debbie) Holland, Allie (Patsy) Purnell, Jr., Norman Purnell, Michael (Paulette) Purnell, and Star Maine; sister-in-law, Shirley Holland; a dear friend, Nellie English; favorite cousins, Linda Ann Bennett and Ricky Nelson; a bonus son, Wayne Tull; a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Eddie's presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
Mr. Holland will lie in repose on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 9 to 10 AM at Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, P.A., 1618 West Road, Salisbury. The funeral service will begin at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery, 6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock.
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Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, P.A.