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BORN
1938
DIED
2020
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Gary Holman Obituary
He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer (ADCS) serving three combat sea deployments to the Vietnam Theater, once aboard the USS Coral Sea and twice aboard USS Midway. He earned both the Vietnam Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. After retirement, he continued working in civil service at NADEP Norfolk, VA and Cherry Point, NC.
Most of all, he cherished his wife Glenda of 52 years, loved his family, and had deep passions that included cars (nothing he couldn't fix), planes (he knew them all) and family trips (don't make me pull this car over!) Nieces and nephews recall Uncle Gary fondly as the trendsetter for thousands of future America's Funniest Home Video clips of "put the rubber band around the sink squirter" so Grandma will get sprayed and secretly untying her apron strings. Younger siblings remember fun times with him going on picnics at the Dungeness River, Olympic Hot Springs, Hurricane Ridge, and Hood Canal. But most of all, it was his day to day presence as an anchor for his family, providing love and stability. Everyone loved Gary, he was quiet but fun loving and full of surprises. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, and decorated Veteran. A true hero to so many and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Glenda Holman, sons Tim Gladding, David Gladding, Jason Holman, Matthew Holman, and daughter Kimberly Finney. Grandchildren Janet Gladding, Eric Gladding, Adam Holman, Zachary Holman, Chelsea Helkowski, Nicholas Gladding, Isaiah Finney and Oliver Finney; and four great grandchildren Stella Souza, Wyatt Holman, little Gary Holman and Ariana Helkowski; brother Michael Holman and sister Patricia Bourm; as well as several nieces and nephews.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite military charity in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Jason Holman
November 24, 2020
Dad you are tough act to follow and I am jealous Tim's first car a sport red '67 Fastback Mustang, one of David's first cars a tough brown '72 Duster and I got the green '78 Pinto with a glass hatchback - just saying. Thanks for being there, setting the example and no worries we got your Six!
Love Always, Jason
November 12, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gary. May you be comforted by our loving God during this very sad time, JOHN 3:16.
Lucy Holman
November 8, 2020
He was a great father in-law. I’m forever grateful for the love and acceptance he provided to me.
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