Clarence James Holland

Clarence James (CJ, Red) Holland closed a rich, full, and happy life in the Lord Jesus Christ on May 17th at Friends Care Community (FCC) where he resided for the past 14 months. He began life July 16, 1925 in Combs, Ky, the 5th child of Matt and Dora (Griffith) Holland. He was married to Vernia (Deaton) for 74 1/2 years, at her passing May 2017 and raised 3 daughters, Sandra McHugh (Jerry Sutton), Doretta (Roger) Lacy, and Beverly. His four granddaughters, Larisa McHugh (Eric Ball), Emily (Bob) Dadey, Cheryl (Jeff) Spang and Jennifer (David) Gilbert, brought him much joy and happiness. He loved being "Old Papaw" to his 6 great grandsons, Avery and AJ Spang, Luke and Silas Gilbert, Rylan and Issac Dadey and this February, a great granddaughter, Aliyah Gilbert. CJ began working in the coal mines at the age of 16. He and Vernia moved to Newport, KY during WW II and worked for GE making engines for bombers. After the war they returned to Combs and he worked the mines again until moving to the Dayton area in 1954. He worked 35 years for Israel Builders Supply and 5 for Supply One. CJ enjoyed working with his hands, being with his family, going to church, fixing things and helping others. He was active in church as a SS teacher, SS leader for over 25 years in 3 different churches, councilman, deacon, and in nursing home ministry. He had a contagious smile, great sense of humor, and pleasant personality. CJ had never met a stranger as evidenced these last 14 months at Friends Care by all the new friends he made-from the staff to residents and their family and friends. His advice at 91 years was "Treat others they way you want to be treated no matter what they do." And, “If you see somebody without a smile, give them one of yours.” He was preceded in death by a son, James Henry, parents, 3 brothers Matt, Leonard, and Henry and 2 sisters, Lula and America.  His passing leaves a void that can only be filled with precious memories and eternal hope. The family would like to thank Friends Care Community for their compassionate care, love and acceptance, and giving Dad a “home away from home”. Thanks to Heartland Hospice for their services. A funeral service will be held on Saturday May 19, 2018 10:30 A.M. at Victory Church, 2443 Valle Greene Dr., Fairborn, Pastor Tim Walden officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to Friends Care Community, 150 East Herman Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn.