Carey Holland
Published 11:35 am Thursday, February 13, 2025
Funeral services for Mr. Carey Holland were conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Goodhope Methodist Church in Bassfield, with interment following in the Jefferson Marion King Cemetery.
Rev. John Robert Hall officiated.
Mr. Holland, age 88, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord, surrounded by his family, on Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025.
Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
The family received friends Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Goodhope Methodist Church, from 11a.m. until the hour of service at 1 p.m.
Mr. Holland was carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers. They included Tom Jeff Davis, Kyle Highstreet, Denny Daley, Jeff Saulters, William King and Michael Reese. Jimmy Kerley, David Davis, Glenn Davis, Bert Davis and Greg Davis served as honorary pallbearers.
John Carey Holland Sr. was born on Nov. 16, 1936, in Jefferson Davis County to Grover and Dixie Davis Holland.
A proud graduate of Bassfield High School, Carey’s early passion for athletics led him to excel in baseball, basketball, and football. His athletic prowess was notably recognized when he earned the prestigious Golden Glove Championship.
This foundational love for sports guided his educational pursuits and he furthered his studies at Pearl River Junior College before graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Following his education, Carey embraced his love for athletics as a coach at Shannon High School in Northeast Mississippi, inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.
After establishing himself in coaching, he made the heartfelt decision to return to Jefferson Davis County, where he became co-owner of the family business, King Lumber in Bassfield.
This role allowed him to continue his commitment to the community, where he was well-respected and loved.
His enthusiasm extended beyond his professional endeavors. Carey and his family were avid supporters of the University of Southern Mississippi athletics, proudly holding season tickets and passionately following the Golden Eagles throughout the region.
Carey also had a profound love for the game of golf, achieving the remarkable feat of shooting his age at 78, a testament to both his enduring spirit and his dedication to the game.
Above all, Carey’s greatest passion was his family.
He was immensely proud of them and poured his love and support into every aspect of their lives.
His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, as he leaves behind fond memories and an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to call him a friend, mentor and loved one.
Mr. Holland was a faithful member of the Goodhope Methodist Church in Bassfield.
He is preceded in death by his parents Grover and Dixie Holland and his beloved wife, Billie Jean King Holland.
His memory will forever be cherished by his daughter, Melinda Holland Trotti of Madison; son, Chuck Holland (Traci) of Sumrall and his sister, Ann Breaux of Chicago, Illinois. The legacy of their Pop will also live on through his grandchildren, Leigh Holland Stribling (Chad), Lauren Ellen Heniken (John), Michael Carey Holland (Julianne), John Schrader Holland (Courtney), Mary Kate Graham (Hunter), and his great-grandchildren, Thomas Holland, John August, Jack, Avery, Gabriel, Wyatt, Carson and Taylor Rhea.
Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.