Honorable Joel Gwen Holley, age 74, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Born on May 1, 1951 in Lanett, AL, Joel—affectionately known as “Pop” to his grandchildren—was a proud graduate of Lanett High School. He went on to attend Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973, and later received his Juris Doctor from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1976. He was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 1976.
Judge Holley devoted his professional life to public service and the law. He served Chambers County as a District Court Judge over 25 years, followed by eight years of service as Assistant City Attorney in Chambers county. In addition, he served as City Manager for Lanett, Alabama, for three and a half years, continuing his lifelong commitment to the community and worked as a Huntsville Assistant City Attorney (as a prosecutor) from 2018 to present.
On November 26, 1980, Joel married Linda Bryant Holley, and together they recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. He will be remembered for his integrity, fairness, and his deep love for his precious wife.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Bryant Holley; his children, Tammy Campbell Scott (Troy) and Christy Campbell Glidewell (Scott); his grandchildren, Jacob, Tucker, Julia, Griffin, and Audrey; and his great-grandchildren, Shannon, Braxton, Arko, Absalom, and Wells. He is also survived by his nephew, Britton Holley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwen and Dahlia Holley and his brother, John Holley.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM at Laughlin Funeral Home followed by the service at 2:00 in Huntsville, Alabama, with Reverend Chris Flick officiating. A celebration of Life will take place in Lanett, Alabama, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research or American Heart Association in his memory.
