Joseph Howard Holleman Jr.

1923 - 2022

HOLLEMAN, Joseph Howard, Jr., known as "Joe" and "Pop" to his grandchildren, died on May 19, 2022, at the age of 99. Joe was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 6, 1923. He graduated from Surry High School, Hargrave Military Academy and the University of Richmond. He served as a commissioned officer in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. From 1949 to 1965, he was the General Manager of HC Motor Company in Surry, where he served three terms on the Surry Town Council. He was a Mason (Past Master) and served as Post Commander for the American Legion.

Joe began his career at the Virginia House of Delegates in 1946 as an enrolling clerk. He then served as a committee clerk, a minute clerk and the assistant clerk. From 1974 through his retirement in 1991, he served as Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates and Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth. While Clerk, he assisted the youth-in-government programs, taking an active part in the American Legion sponsored "Boys State" program. He was instrumental in a House Chamber renovation, the computerizing of the voting system and the streamlining of the procedures and Rules of the House of Delegates. In 2012, Joe was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly as "soft-spoken, humble and a true Virginia gentleman."

From 1991 until his wife's death in 2018, Joe and Ann enjoyed a golden retirement, travelling and spending time with family and friends both in Richmond and in Sandbridge.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Bryan Higginbotham Holleman; and his parents, Joseph Howard Holleman Sr. and Bessie Faircloth Holleman. He is survived by his children, Susan H. Brewer (Richard), Penelope H. Rost (Michael), Joseph Holleman III (Robin), Robert Holleman (Kristy) David Higginbotham (Suzanne), Gary Higginbotham (Jeanne), Timothy Higginbotham (Tina); and his sister, Caroline H. Thomas (William). He also leaves 12 grandchildren, Taylor Brewer, Sarah Grace Holleman, Laura H. Parker (Joseph), Elizabeth Holleman, Robert Holleman Jr., Margaret Holleman, Elaina Farris (Ben), Tyler Farris, Leslie Boykin, Courtney Smith (Darius), Victoria Abbey (David) and Tara Rouse (Cody).

The family would like to thank the Hermitage Richmond and At Home Care Hospice for their excellent care of Joe during the last years of his life.

Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 16 at Bliley's - Central on Saturday, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, where a memorial service will be held at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.