Anthony Joel Holley, 68, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014, at The Meadows in Fulton. He was born August 23, 1945 to the late Sim and Dorothy Crane Holley. He was a member of Gum Church of Christ for more than 50 years and was the Adult Class Sunday School Teacher for the past 40 years. He was a 1962 graduate of Tremont High School and attended Itawamba Community College. He recieved a Bachelor’s Degree in 1967 and Master’s Degree in 1969 from Mississippi State University. He was the first Industrial Arts Teacher at New Albany Middle School, where he taught for 5 years. In 1971, he was named the Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year for Mississippi. He became director of the Itawamba County Vocational Complex in 1975 and worked there till 2001, when he retired from the teaching profession after 36 years. He had a passion for farming and co-owned Holley Farm in Tremont with his brother Danny. He thoroughly enjoyed watching children enjoying a day on the farm, especially his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was a Commissioner of Itawamba County Soil Conservation Service, and faithful follower of all MSU Sports, and loved “backing the Bulldogs”. Although a man of few words, his example said it all!.
Services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday July 1, 2014 with Ministers Rodney Livingston and Brady Ramey officiating. Burial will be in the Gum Church of Christ Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Mayola Holley of Fulton, Son, Mark (Kristin) Holley of Fulton, Daughters: Kim (Greg) Clayton of Myrtle, MS, Jill (Bill) Hayes of Indianapolis, IN, Granddaughters: Hannah, Mallory, and Rylie Holley, Shelby Hayes, Sydney Hayes, Grandsons: Dillon and David Clayton, Sister, Yvonne (Jim) Hughes, Brothers: Danny (Jan) Holley, and Randy (Loretta) Holley all of Fulton; and Several Nieces and Nephews,
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers are Robert Whitehead, Todd Farrar, Willie Rushing, Halbert Pitts, Daniel Umfress, Jackie Spradling, Matt Holley, Jerry Davis, Roger Crane, Chip Enlow
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bryan Wilson, Phil Wilson, Roger Wilson, Tim Wilson, Randy Wilson, Chad Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, Glen Hood
Visitation is 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Monday June 30, 2014 and 7:00 am till service time Tuesday at Senter Funeral Home.
