Neil Holloway

Neil Holloway, 69, of Ellijay, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at his residence.

He was born May 10, 1956, to Louis Walton Holloway and the late Dixie Lee Bryan. From the moment he entered this world, he carried a light and warmth that he shared freely with everyone he met. He never met a stranger - within minutes of talking to him, you felt like you'd known him your whole life. His gift for storytelling was unmatched; when he told a story, you didn't just hear it - you felt like you were right there, living it alongside him.

He was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and he poured his heart into every moment he shared with them. Family meant everything to him and he made sure each person knew how loved and valued they were.

He loved people in general. Whether it was a neighbor, a friend or someone he just met, he treated everyone with kindness, humor and respect. He had a way of making anyone feel welcome and at ease, no matter where he was. He was a member of the Boardtown Church of Christ.

He was a true outdoorsman and found peace in nature. He loved to hunt, fish and tend to his garden - always happiest with a little dirt on his hands and the sun on his back. He also had a deep love for the open road and the freedom of riding his Harley.

A master craftsman and mechanic, he could fix just about anything. His hands were as skilled as his heart was generous. Whether building something new or repairing something old, he put pride and precision into everything he touched. His work was not only a reflection of his talent but of his care for others - he was always willing to lend a hand when someone was in need.

Music was another of his many gifts. He loved to sing, and when he did, he could light up an entire room. His voice carried warmth, joy and a bit of that same storytelling magic that defined his life.

Above all, he loved his wife, DeAnna, with all his heart. Their love was steady, strong and full of laughter - a partnership built on friendship, respect and devotion. Together, they shared countless adventures, quiet moments and a lifetime of memories that will live on forever.

He will be remembered for his big heart, his endless stories, his laughter and the way he made everyone feel seen and loved. His legacy lives on in the family and friends who loved him dearly and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his guardian, Charles Holloway; grandparents, Jim and Louise Holloway and Carson and Georgia Bryan.

He is survived by the love of his life of 41 years, DeAnna Holloway, of Ellijay; two sons, Issac Holloway, of Ellijay and Michael (Leinah Dove) Fink-Holloway, of Jasper; two daughters and sons-in-law, Meagan (Josh) Martin and Lyndsey (Allen) Martin, all of Ellijay; guardian, Sherla Holloway, of Norcross; father, Louis W. Holloway, of Cherry Log; brothers and sisters-in-law, J.D. (Donna) Legan, of Carrolton, Bryan (Tammy) Liles, of Griffin and Dante (Melissa) Holloway, of Cherry Log; sisters and brothers-in-law, Debra Reynolds, of Milner, Kelly Holloway, of Ellijay, Yvette (Darryl) Quick, of Orchard Hill and Dana (Robbie) Odom, of Morganton; grandchildren, Haley Holloway, Isaiah Holloway, Bryson Fink, Katie Fink, Chandler Martin, Callie Martin, Alayna "Laney" Martin, Henlee Martin, Peter Alvarado and Grace Alvarado; one great-grandchild on the way, Oaklee Fink, a host of honorary children and 25 nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Holloway was Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at 3 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. Glenn Arnold officiating. Following the service, he was cremated. A private interment will be held in the Boardtown Church of Christ Cemetery at a later date.

Minister Jeremy Green led the family in a word of prayer before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Mountain Hospice and Palliative Care in his name.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay was entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Holloway.