Willie Lawrence Holloway, Jr. was the beloved son of the late Willie Lawrence Holloway, Sr. and Emma Lou Hinton Holloway. Lawrence was born in Charleston, South Carolina on October 4, 1931. He was affectionately called “Brother” by his family. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Brighton, Alabama where he would meet his futureContinue Reading
Willie Lawrence Holloway, Jr. was the beloved son of the late Willie Lawrence Holloway, Sr. and Emma Lou Hinton Holloway. Lawrence was born in Charleston, South Carolina on October 4, 1931. He was affectionately called “Brother” by his family.
Soon after his birth, the family moved to Brighton, Alabama where he would meet his future wife, Mary Dickinson. While walking home from school one afternoon, he caught her attention by offering to carry her books. They were married at the age of 16 on July 19, 1948. Lawrence relocated the family to Cleveland, Ohio where they would spend the rest of their lives. They were married for 73 years until Mary’s death on February 6, 2022.
Lawrence accepted Christ as his Savior, was baptized, and joined New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, here the family’s spiritual growth was developed. He would serve as a faithful deacon until the church closed in 2014.
Because Lawrence knew the importance of education and wanted to be an example to his family, he enrolled in night school at Griswold Institute and received his GED. He found work as a laborer at Republic Steel in 1950 working the swing shift. With persistence and dedication, he was given the opportunity to utilize his skills as a crane operator. He retired from this job in 1986. He served our country in the National Guard from 1954 to 1957.
Lawrence was a loving husband and father of eight children who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed singing and boxing as hobbies. He learned to box at a local gym when he was 12 years
old. It helped him to fight off boys who picked on him because he wore glasses. His talent and passion for boxing propelled him into the Golden Glove competition. He loved to sing and especially enjoyed the songs of Jackie Wilson, his favorite performer.
Lawrence was a lively storyteller and was fond of telling jokes as well. He often entertained his friends and family with riveting stories about his experiences growing up in Alabama.
Lawrence was a skilled handyman and enjoyed repairing cars and household gadgets. He was known in the neighborhood for bike repairs.
He once owned a secondhand store called SunRay Furniture. He sometimes gave furniture and appliances away to those in need. He always did what he could to help the community. He was a blessing to many people. Lawrence will be greatly missed.
Lawrence was always available for family and friends. Now he’s gone but the memories will last forever. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; his brothers, James Nelson, Frank, and Gregory; and his sister, Lillian Moss.
He is survived by his sons: Larry C. Holloway (Nettie), Ray L. Holloway Sr., and Lamonte Washington (Nichole); daughters, Wanda Jean Lewis, Cecilia D. Yarbrough (George), Sandra E. Scott, Tangie Y. Holloway, and Gezel R. Simmons (Leroy); brother, Reginald Holloway; sisters, Mattie McKinney 1tchett and Marion Pledger; brother-in-law, Clyde Dickinson (Adell); sister-in-law, Lillian Burt; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, 1sins, and friends.
Alicia Asberry
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Even though Grandpa lived to be 91 years old, which is a great accomplishment for an African American man who was born during the Great Depression, grew up under Jim Crow segregation in Alabama, and migrated to the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio in 1950 before the Civil Rights Movement had officially begun, I can attest that for most of us who knew him, it was way, way too soon. He had a very special kind of love that meant a lot to me and many others. I can't really put it into words. You just knew that he really cared. You just felt it. You can see it in his eyes in the picture that was chosen for his obituary. It was perfect. It captured his character.
Today is my first time visiting this webpage in Grandpa's honor. I just wasn't ready before now. I didn't really want to face the stark reality that our dear Grandpa has gone away, even though I believe it's only a temporary separation. It was tragic and shocking because Grandpa has always been there for us. I could always depend on him when no one else was available or willing to help. He and Grandma were my dream team. They worked together to keep our family safe, happy, and loved. It was great!
Grandpa is the first person who shared the gospel with me. His sister Marian has shared it with me many times since then and in many ways but he was the first. I didn't grow up going to church regularly but we went to my grandparents' church on occasions. I didn't particularly like church. I liked reading and hearing Bible stories at home but I didn't feel comfortable at church. So when my Grandpa presented me with the gospel, I wasn't really interested at the time.
He had picked me up from somewhere as he often did throughout my life and we were in his truck. He was dropping me off at home and took some time to tell me about Jesus before I got out. He had often used time in the car to share stories, etc. I knew that he believed he was helping me but I wasn't ready so I did not accept Christ then. I was a teenager and at that time, I really didn't think anyone could know for sure that God exists. I'm 52 now and I've done a 360. I now know for sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that God (Yahveh) is real, alive and actively working in my life to make me more like my Lord Yahshua, the Messiah or Christ.
I joined my mother's church when I was 16 but I had not been converted yet. I just thought it would be another good thing I could do to please my mother. I didn't really think I needed the church. Looking back, I really think I felt like I was doing them a favor. I didn't think I really needed God, Jesus, or any deity. I had my parents and my grandparents on both sides and that was sufficient for me.
The love, support, and encouragement I received from my family, especially Grandpa, meant the world to me. Grandpa was so loving, compassionate, and merciful. If you were hurting, he was hurting. He wanted to help everyone. He often helped strangers.
Grandpa wasn't perfect and we all knew it, but he had a special love for us that made us feel secure. He would have gone to hell and back for us if he could in order to save one of us. I now know that it was God's love that motivated him.
He didn't talk a lot about the Bible to me. He probably regrets that now but he lived it. I believe he was as faithful to God as he knew how to be. He was very concerned about making it into heaven. He feared God and he knew that he had not kept all of God's commandments perfectly but he was faithful as a husband, father, grandfather, and deacon for the most part.
Grandpa acknowledged God at home, prayed to God, and served God on a regular basis. He made sure that the grass was cut at the church, that Grandma paid the bills, and that everything was done decently and in order.
A couple of weeks ago, on the evening of July 14th, after the sabbath had started at sunset, I was reading in the Psalms and I got the distinct impression that God was telling me that Psalm 112 was describing Grandpa. The parts that really reminded me of him were in verse 4 where it talks about him being "full of compassion" (He definitely was.) and in verse 9 where it talks about him giving to the poor. Grandpa wanted to help everybody. They got a lot of mail and phone calls from charities because Grandpa didn't turn anyone down. Even if he only gave 5 or 10 dollars, he usually gave people something if they asked him. Everyone in the neighborhood knew where to come if they needed something and they often came. It wasn't just to get something all the time. I think they just liked being around Grandpa. I did too.
I could go on and on but I'm going to wrap it up. On July 14th during Yahveh's sabbath of rest, He reassured me that our Grandpa is with Him and that we will see him again if we hold fast our faith until the end (Hebrews 4:14 and 3:6). Grandpa was merciful like God is and I know that God has received him because Yahshua said, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
My Grandpa was a good Samaritan. He often stopped to help people who were having car trouble. One man was suspicious of this and thought he was gay or something. He was relieved to find out that Grandpa was married with children. That was a funny story. That man almost missed a blessing that so many of us have received: the genuine, unconditional love of our Heavenly Father demonstrated by a life of humble, faithful service to our Lord Yahshua the Christ.
Renee Squires
left a message on June 16, 2023:
Sending my condolences to Sandy and her family. Sandy is a dear friend and former colleague, and I met her dad on several occasions when I lived in Cleveland. Your family was blessed to have such a kind, loving, witty man as the family patriarch. Keeping you all in prayer.
Scripture says " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Marilyn and Barnett Jordan
left a message on June 16, 2023:
In memory of Willie Lawrence Holloway, Marilyn and Barnett Jordan lit a candle
Howard L Eddie
left a message on June 16, 2023:
I had the pleasure of meeting both of sandys patrons when worked at ch 8 one summer holiday we were both working and went their home and got some take ribs and all the fixins one the best meals i had tank you for the memory
Mickey Bey
left a message on June 16, 2023:
Rest well Mr Holloway, thank you for all the love and support you always gave me , i was blessed to have you in my life , i will see you again I love you!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Cherie Richmond
left a message on June 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to my friend Ray holloway and family
Cherie Richmond
left a message on June 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to my friend Ray holloway and family
MELMON MAY (CURLY)
left a message on June 14, 2023:
I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN THAT BROTHER HAD PASSED. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM FROM SO MANY YEARS AGO. I SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS.
MELMON MAY (CURLY)
CLERMONT, FL
Patricia Huff
left a message on June 9, 2023:
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE HOLLOWAY FAMILY , MAY YOUR TEARS OF SORROW SOON TURN TO SMILES OF FOND MEMORIES ??!
Carolyn Rowser-Landrum
left a message on June 9, 2023:
To Ray and Family you have my heartfelt condolence in the passing of your dad. Praying for your comfort during your time of bereavement ?
Marilyn H. Tucker
left a message on June 7, 2023:
The Holloways are part of some of my sweetest childhood memories - they were devoted members of New Revelation M.B. Church, and such a blessing to my father, Rev. M.H. Tucker. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Alicia Asberry
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Even though Grandpa lived to be 91 years old, which is a great accomplishment for an African American man who was born during the Great Depression, grew up under Jim Crow segregation in Alabama, and migrated to the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio in 1950 before the Civil Rights Movement had officially begun, I can attest that for most of us who knew him, it was way, way too soon. He had a very special kind of love that meant a lot to me and many others. I can't really put it into words. You just knew that he really cared. You just felt it. You can see it in his eyes in the picture that was chosen for his obituary. It was perfect. It captured his character.
Today is my first time visiting this webpage in Grandpa's honor. I just wasn't ready before now. I didn't really want to face the stark reality that our dear Grandpa has gone away, even though I believe it's only a temporary separation. It was tragic and shocking because Grandpa has always been there for us. I could always depend on him when no one else was available or willing to help. He and Grandma were my dream team. They worked together to keep our family safe, happy, and loved. It was great!
Grandpa is the first person who shared the gospel with me. His sister Marian has shared it with me many times since then and in many ways but he was the first. I didn't grow up going to church regularly but we went to my grandparents' church on occasions. I didn't particularly like church. I liked reading and hearing Bible stories at home but I didn't feel comfortable at church. So when my Grandpa presented me with the gospel, I wasn't really interested at the time.
He had picked me up from somewhere as he often did throughout my life and we were in his truck. He was dropping me off at home and took some time to tell me about Jesus before I got out. He had often used time in the car to share stories, etc. I knew that he believed he was helping me but I wasn't ready so I did not accept Christ then. I was a teenager and at that time, I really didn't think anyone could know for sure that God exists. I'm 52 now and I've done a 360. I now know for sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that God (Yahveh) is real, alive and actively working in my life to make me more like my Lord Yahshua, the Messiah or Christ.
I joined my mother's church when I was 16 but I had not been converted yet. I just thought it would be another good thing I could do to please my mother. I didn't really think I needed the church. Looking back, I really think I felt like I was doing them a favor. I didn't think I really needed God, Jesus, or any deity. I had my parents and my grandparents on both sides and that was sufficient for me.
The love, support, and encouragement I received from my family, especially Grandpa, meant the world to me. Grandpa was so loving, compassionate, and merciful. If you were hurting, he was hurting. He wanted to help everyone. He often helped strangers.
Grandpa wasn't perfect and we all knew it, but he had a special love for us that made us feel secure. He would have gone to hell and back for us if he could in order to save one of us. I now know that it was God's love that motivated him.
He didn't talk a lot about the Bible to me. He probably regrets that now but he lived it. I believe he was as faithful to God as he knew how to be. He was very concerned about making it into heaven. He feared God and he knew that he had not kept all of God's commandments perfectly but he was faithful as a husband, father, grandfather, and deacon for the most part.
Grandpa acknowledged God at home, prayed to God, and served God on a regular basis. He made sure that the grass was cut at the church, that Grandma paid the bills, and that everything was done decently and in order.
A couple of weeks ago, on the evening of July 14th, after the sabbath had started at sunset, I was reading in the Psalms and I got the distinct impression that God was telling me that Psalm 112 was describing Grandpa. The parts that really reminded me of him were in verse 4 where it talks about him being "full of compassion" (He definitely was.) and in verse 9 where it talks about him giving to the poor. Grandpa wanted to help everybody. They got a lot of mail and phone calls from charities because Grandpa didn't turn anyone down. Even if he only gave 5 or 10 dollars, he usually gave people something if they asked him. Everyone in the neighborhood knew where to come if they needed something and they often came. It wasn't just to get something all the time. I think they just liked being around Grandpa. I did too.
I could go on and on but I'm going to wrap it up. On July 14th during Yahveh's sabbath of rest, He reassured me that our Grandpa is with Him and that we will see him again if we hold fast our faith until the end (Hebrews 4:14 and 3:6). Grandpa was merciful like God is and I know that God has received him because Yahshua said, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
My Grandpa was a good Samaritan. He often stopped to help people who were having car trouble. One man was suspicious of this and thought he was gay or something. He was relieved to find out that Grandpa was married with children. That was a funny story. That man almost missed a blessing that so many of us have received: the genuine, unconditional love of our Heavenly Father demonstrated by a life of humble, faithful service to our Lord Yahshua the Christ.
Renee Squires
left a message on June 16, 2023:
Sending my condolences to Sandy and her family. Sandy is a dear friend and former colleague, and I met her dad on several occasions when I lived in Cleveland. Your family was blessed to have such a kind, loving, witty man as the family patriarch. Keeping you all in prayer.
Scripture says " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Marilyn and Barnett Jordan
left a message on June 16, 2023:
In memory of Willie Lawrence Holloway, Marilyn and Barnett Jordan lit a candle
Howard L Eddie
left a message on June 16, 2023:
I had the pleasure of meeting both of sandys patrons when worked at ch 8 one summer holiday we were both working and went their home and got some take ribs and all the fixins one the best meals i had tank you for the memory
Mickey Bey
left a message on June 16, 2023:
Rest well Mr Holloway, thank you for all the love and support you always gave me , i was blessed to have you in my life , i will see you again I love you!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Cherie Richmond
left a message on June 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to my friend Ray holloway and family
Cherie Richmond
left a message on June 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to my friend Ray holloway and family
MELMON MAY (CURLY)
left a message on June 14, 2023:
I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN THAT BROTHER HAD PASSED. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM FROM SO MANY YEARS AGO. I SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS.
MELMON MAY (CURLY)
CLERMONT, FL
Patricia Huff
left a message on June 9, 2023:
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE HOLLOWAY FAMILY , MAY YOUR TEARS OF SORROW SOON TURN TO SMILES OF FOND MEMORIES ??!
Carolyn Rowser-Landrum
left a message on June 9, 2023:
To Ray and Family you have my heartfelt condolence in the passing of your dad. Praying for your comfort during your time of bereavement ?
Marilyn H. Tucker
left a message on June 7, 2023:
The Holloways are part of some of my sweetest childhood memories - they were devoted members of New Revelation M.B. Church, and such a blessing to my father, Rev. M.H. Tucker. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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