Hubert Donald (Don) Holman, 87, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Woodward Holman. He was predeceased by daughter, Elizabeth Lynn Vainrib (Byron surviving) and is survived by sons Bill Holman of Atlanta, GA; Tom (Cindy) Holman of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by four loving grandchildren: Elizabeth Holman Schroder (Patrick) and Anna Holman of Atlanta, and Camille Holly Vainrib and Frances Evalyn Vainrib of Cincinnati, Ohio. Don is also survived by his sister, Alice Holman Ahrens (George) of Asheville, NC. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Thomison Holman and Mildred Sawyers Holman.
Don was born in Fayetteville on November 18, 1935. With the exception of time away from college, law school and military service, he was a proud lifelong resident of Lincoln County. He was a graduate of Central High School (1953); Vanderbilt University (B.A. 1957); and Vanderbilt Law School (J.D. 1960). Don then served in the U.S. Army as a military attorney through the U.S. Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). He was stationed initially at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and later at Fort Holabird in Baltimore. Don met his wife Betty, while stationed in Washington D.C. The two married in 1962. At the end of his military service, they returned to Fayetteville to start a family, which they raised in the home where he still lived upon his passing.
Upon return to Lincoln County, Don joined his father practicing law from the “Holman & Holman” law offices on the Fayetteville square for over 40 years. He was appointed General Sessions Judge in 1977, which position later was expanded to include serving as juvenile court judge. Through several elections, he continued to serve as General Sessions Judge until he retired as judge in 1998. In performing the often-difficult duties of a judge, he was always grateful for the support and professionalism of Courthouse staff, law enforcement, local lawyers and many others.
Don was a lifelong, active member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he served as an elder and deacon. He was a member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club for more than 50 years, serving as president. He was also an elected Fayetteville Alderman and served on numerous other community boards.
More than anything, Don loved spending time with family and friends. This included annual family beach trips, trips to different regions of the country, and a celebratory trip to Italy, all of which helped develop lasting family bonds and shared loves of travel that continue with the surviving family. His many friends enriched his life daily – ranging from coffee at Carter’s Drug Store and weekend get-togethers, to outdoor passions including golf, dove hunts, fishing and sporting events throughout the south.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., Saturday, immediately preceding the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or local nonprofit.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Hubert Donald (Don) Holman.
