William Holloway

William Wallace (Bill) Holloway, Jr. passed away Sunday, August 22, 2021, in Tyler, Texas.

He was born February 19, 1944, at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California to William Wallace Holloway, Sr. and Claudia Agnes (Morton) Holloway. Bill’s father, William Holloway, Sr. was a career Naval Mechanic who was awarded the Silver Star for Valor in combat during World War II.

Bill attended Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, California and graduated from high school in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  After high school, he enrolled at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  At 19 years old, Bill and his friends joined the Texas Army National Guard. He completed his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  He served seven years in the military reserves, completing his service just prior to the Vietnam draft.

During his time at Lamar University, he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Graham.  They were married on December 23, 1966 and were married for 54 years. They moved to Houston where they started their family and lived for many years. During this time, Bill obtained his Master Plumbing License and began his plumbing career working for Natkin and later CF Mann Plumbing.  Bill eventually started his own company, Holloway Plumbing Company, Inc.

In 1982, longing to move out of the city, Bill and Mary Jo began their search for property in the country which landed them in Chappell Hill, Texas.  Bill was active in First Baptist Church-Brenham and later Calvary Baptist Church ordained as a Deacon of the church. He was a volunteer with the Chappell Hill Fire Department and a member of the Chappell Hill Historical Society.  He was a Board Member of the Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery Association and was presented with a Merit Award for his service to the community by the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce.  Most recently, he became a charter member of the WWII National Museum in New Orleans.

In 1999, Bill and his son, Greg started Mechanical Systems Company, Inc. which went on to be a successful commercial plumbing business that continues to serve the Central Texas area.

In 2019, upon retirement, Bill and Mary Jo moved to Tyler, Texas where he and Mary Jo built a new home on four acres in the Lindale area. He joined First Baptist Church-Lindale and enjoying serving alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bill loved the outdoors and travelling around the country with his RV in tow.  He had a love of fishing, camping, state and national parks, all of which he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Memories they will forever hold dear to their hearts.

He was a devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather to ten grandchildren.  Bill was a godly friend and caring mentor to his many friends, businessmen, pastors, and ministry leaders, all of whom will miss him very much.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Jo Holloway of Tyler, Texas, his sister Manon Gagliardi of Branford, Connecticut, his son Greg Holloway and wife Jodi (Thomas) Holloway, daughters Gretchen Holloway Davis, Annie Holloway Juris, and Amanda Holloway Thornton and husband Robert Thornton.  Also, his grandchildren Connor Holloway, Sean Holloway, Paul Davis, Jr., William Davis, Joshua Davis, Madelyn Juris, Elias Juris, Caralise Thornton, Caleb Thornton, and Christian Thornton.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham, Texas, Friday, August 27th. A Memorial Service will start at 6:00 p.m.

Bill took pride in supporting military organizations.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the World War II National Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.  www.nationalww2museum.org

In Honor of William Holloway, Jr., Tyler, Texas.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.