Michael E. Holland

Michael Eugene Holland, “Nancy”, 60, of Jay, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 22, 2016. He was born November 27, 1955 to Max and Peggy Dean Holland. He was a lifelong resident of Jay, Florida. Mike was born into a farming family and was the apple of his Granny and Granddaddy’s eye. Mike could drive a tractor before he was big enough to look over the steering wheel. Thanks to his Uncle Donald, he learned to hunt and fish at an early age and he enjoyed both throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed a very special relationship with his Aunt June. He thought it was so funny that even though she was his Aunt, he was 9 months older than she was and he never let her forget that he was the oldest. They enjoyed growing up together and were more like siblings. They remained close all down through time and were still close at his passing. Mike also dearly loved his Aunt Sue and was devastated when she passed away at such an early age. At age 10, Mike got a baby sister whom he loved very much, Wanda. He was always very protective of her and to his dying day always called her “Little Sister”. Mike’s pride and joy was his two girls, Shondra and Leslie and their children. He was so proud to be called Paw Paw. In his later years, his favorite thing to do was to go fishing. He loved being outdoors and refused to be indoors any more than he had to. He would drive around to his various favorite fishing holes, with his faithful sidekick Buddy, and fish to his heart’s content. Mike loved to sit around with friends and family and talk about the good old days. He always had something funny to say and if he really liked you, he would just have to kid you a little bit. Mike’s passing will leave a big hole in the hearts of those who knew him. Mike is survived by his children: Shondra (Jamey) Hattaway, Leslie (Bear) Gonzalez. Seven grandchildren: Christian, Austin, Jayden, Michael, Logan, and Anna Claire. His mother: Peggy Dean Godwin, Sister: Wanda (David) McCarthy, Uncle and Aunt Joe and June Gillman, Uncle Edsel (Polly) Holland and Aunt Gail Holland, Nieces and nephews: Shaena, Ken, Teisha, Dusty, Tabitha, Noah, Taylor, Kendall and Kole. Four very special friends: Tony Cozart, Ed Daughtry, Max Allen Smith and Ricky Patterson. Numerous friends, cousins and his little dog, Buddy. Mike is preceded in death by his Father: Maxwell Eugene Holland, His Grandparents: Eugene and Inez Dean; Floyd and Gladys Holland. Aunts: Sue Dean Baker and Elaine Holland, Uncles: Donald Gene Dean and Johnny Holland. A very special thank you to the Jay Volunteer Fire Department and The Lifeguard EMS workers who responded to the call for Mike. Thanks also to the Staff of the Jay Hospital ER department for being so compassionate to our family. You were all awesome! Visitation will be held at the Jay Funeral Home from 6-9 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016. The family will meet at 5:00 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Jay Funeral Home with the Reverend Joseph Gillman officiating. Pallbearers with be Tony Cozart, Ricky Patterson, Max Allen Smith, Randy Roberts, Don Dean, Dusty McCarthy and Noah McCarthy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike’s Sons-in-Law and Grandsons. Burial will be in the Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery.