Deacon Charles Holland, Jr.

Charles Holland, Jr. was born August 10, 1933, to Henry Holland and Emma Lee Giden in Haynes, Arkansas. He departed this life December 16, 2024. Charles was united in holy matrimony to Lottie Fletcher, and to this union a son was born, Larry Donnell Holland. Lottie preceded him in death. Charles later met and married Lee Ester Griffin on November 17, 1957, bringing to this union a daughter, Mary Delois Griffin, and six biological children were born. Lee Ester preceded him in death on February 22, 2000. Two children also preceded him in death—Gloria Ann Holland and Mary Griffin-Giles; one granddaughter—Tinicha Rogers; one great granddaughter—Zoey Reed; three sisters—Katherine Brooks, Rosemary Jones, and Sentoria Harrell; and four brothers– Earl, Ben, Andrew, and Eddie Bell Davis. Charles was raised in the Shady Grove area of St. Francis County. He worked as a welder, then came off the road traveling due to health issues and to be close to his family. He began farming his own land. He worked on the Jones farm and then later for Curtis Farms until he retired. Deacon Holland received the Holy Ghost at William Temple Church of God in Christ and was appointed Deacon on December 30, 1973, by the late Elder Jessie Smith. He served for over fifty years as a Deacon at William Temple under the leadership of the late Elder Jessie Smith, Elder Daniel Smith, the late Elder Wiggins Alexander, and presently under Superintendent Ransom Smith. Between pastors, Deacon Holland served the church as a Prayer Warrior, a Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, and he preached the Word of God on many Sundays. He served faithfully until his health failed. Deacon Holland was recognized as a pioneer deacon of the National Church of God in Christ. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons—Larry Donnell Holland (Hazel) of Phoenix, Arizona and David Lee Holland (Connie) of Camden, Arkansas; four daughters—Karen Christine Daniel (Hollis) of Forrest City, Arkansas, Ruby Jean Henry (Johnny) of Gurdon, Arkansas, Sandra Denise Glasgow (Curtis) of Moro, Arkansas, and LaKeisha Nicole Holland of Gill, Arkansas; one granddaughter raised in the home as a daughter– Shalanda LaKay Smith (Hershel) of Palestine, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren; four bonus grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; three bonus great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; one brother—Robert Holland of York, Pennsylvania; one son-in-law—Wilbur Giles of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, church family and friends.

Deacon Charles Holland, Jr.

August 10, 1933 - December 16, 2024