Robert Jeffery Holley, affectionately known as “Jeff” to all who knew and loved him, departed this earthly life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Ripley, Mississippi. He was 60 years old.
Funeral services honoring Jeff’s life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Steve McKee and Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, at 10 AM. Burial will follow in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut, Mississippi, where a brief prayer will be offered.
Born October 6, 1966, in Tippah County, Jeff was the only child of J. B. and Ruby Kay Bennett Holley. He received his education at Walnut High School, where he graduated before spending a short time working in the logging woods. It did not take him long to realize that line of work was not for him, and he found his place in the furniture industry. Through his many years with Bench Craft and Ashley Furniture, Jeff built lasting friendships with those who worked alongside him before his retirement.
A simple man who appreciated a simple way of life, Jeff found happiness in the things that brought him peace and comfort. Before his health declined, he enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors, whether casting a fishing line or heading into the woods to hunt. He also had a love for good rock and roll music, especially the classics. Above all, Jeff treasured time with his grandchildren and was happiest in the company of those he loved. Those moments of togetherness remain precious memories for the family he leaves behind.
Although his passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his family finds strength and comfort in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even when life brings sorrow beyond our understanding, His love remains a steady source of peace. They take comfort in knowing Jeff is free from the pain and limitations of this earthly life, reunited with his beloved parents and loved ones who went before him, and resting peacefully in the presence of his Savior.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Joshua Robert Holley; his daughter, Caitlyn Holley; his grandchildren, Jaiden Hebert, Amberley Gunn, Isabella Gunn, Brittlely Buchanan, Trenton Johnson, and Harper Mullins; the mother of his children, Regina Waldon Gunn (Jeff); and a circle of friends and extended family who will remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. B. and Ruby Kay Bennett Holley.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are his close friends, Jamie Kirk, Bart Burton, Reggie Jones, Bradley Bone, Tony Waldon, and Shaun Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be Walter “Buddy” Barber, Mike Shaw, Greg Hodum, Stanley Brock, and Daryl Wayne Hamm.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Ripley Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve Jeff’s family.
