Edward Wilson Holland

Obituary For Edward Wilson Holland

Bernard’s Madison Chapel announces the passing of Mr. Edward Holland of Athens, Georgia, surrounded by family.

Mr. Edward Wilson Holland, affectionately known as “Eddie,” was born on April 3, 1943, in Maryland to the late Earl Dennis Holland and Audrey Gillett Holland.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annabel F. Holland; two sons, Calvin Holland, and Edward “Butter” Holland; his parents; Mr. Allie Purnell, Sr.; a cherished aunt, Mable Wright; a devoted longtime companion, Margarett Tull; two brothers, Ernest Holland, and Clifton Holland; one sister-in-law, Roberta Purnell.

Eddie graduated from Worcester High School in 1961 and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962. He dedicated 22 years of honorable service to his country, retiring with the rank of Boatswain’s Mate / Petty Officer First Class. His military career spanned pivotal eras, including the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Eddie was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Fourth Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal (Second Award), the Southwest Asia Service Medal, a Letter of Commendation from Commander Biron Ten, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

After his military retirement, Eddie continued to serve others through his work as Maintenance Supervisor at Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury, Maryland, where he worked faithfully for 20 years.

Eddie will be remembered for his service, his storytelling, and his big-hearted nature. He loved life deeply and shared that love generously with his family, friends, and bonus family. A father to biological, step, and bonus children, Eddie found great joy in family gatherings, backyard conversations, and the simple pleasures of life, cutting grass, playing spades, watching westerns, NBA, and NFL sports games, talking on the phone and hunting for thrift store treasures. His humor, sharp wit, and colorful tales of days gone by will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though Eddie is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His kindness, laughter, and legacy of love will continue to inspire and comfort his family for generations to come.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Julie Holland, Wanda Ingram, Virginia Cheeks, Angela Dodley, Rickie (Renee) Fisher Sr., and Sherman Fisher; two devoted granddaughters, Tenisha Cole and Tanze (Brandon) Cole; grandchildren, Martavious (Jamia) Foster, Darius Cole, Thomas Greene, Terrance Greene, Sierra, Ceona, Ricky Jr., Jordan, Sidney, and Ceasar; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelena (John) Williams, Mary Marshall, Earl (Debbie) Holland, Allie (Patsy) Purnell, Jr., Norman Purnell, Michael (Paulette) Purnell, and Star Maine; sister-in-law, Shirley Holland; a dear friend, Nellie English; favorite cousins, Linda Ann Bennett and Ricky Nelson; a bonus son, Wayne Tull; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Service Arrangements for Athens, Georgia:

Viewing and visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Gardenview Funeral Chapel, 605 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30606 from 4:00-6:00 PM.

A life celebration for Mr. Edward Holland will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1 pm, at Gardenview Funeral Chapel, 605 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30606.

Service Arrangements for Salisbury, Maryland:

Viewing will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, at Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, P.A., 1618 West Road, Salisbury, MD, 21801 from 9:00-10:00 AM. A life celebration for Mr. Edward Holland will follow the viewing on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10 AM.

Burial and Military honors will follow at Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery.

Bernard's The Madison Chapel is honored to be chosen to serve the Holland family during this challenging time.

Bernard’s Family Funeral Care, LLC, The Madison Chapel, 1086 Ward Road, Madison, Georgia 30650, is in charge.