Rev. W. Holman

Rev. W. Earl Holman, age 88, of The Woodlands, Texas, and formerly of Marshall, Michigan, died October 21, 2018. He was born November 3, 1929, in Happy Valley, North Carolina, the son of Walter Edward and Margaret Dorothy Holman, both of whom preceded him in death.  His brother James A. Holman also preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Ellen Jane Salyers Holman and four sons: Kris A. Holman of Wagoner, Oklahoma; William E. Holman of Spring, Texas; Timothy A. Holman of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Matthew L. Holman of Spring, Texas.  Also, three sisters: Lorraine Hollars, Dorothy Ann Holman, and Bonnie L. Sides, all of Lenoir, North Carolina, as well as seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a graduate of Mars Hill Junior College, Mars Hill, North Carolina, 1950; served as a Sgt. in the Army in Korea, 1953; graduated from Western Michigan University of Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1959; and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1975. Rev. Holman pastored churches in Indiana and Michigan and did bi-vocational work in the latter part of his ministry.  He worked at Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan, until retirement after 34 years of service in 1995.  He served as manager of the Employee Benefits Department for many years.  He also served in various capacities as a minister. After retirement and moving to The Woodlands, Texas, he served as Minister to Senior Adults at The First Baptist Church of The Woodlands, Texas, until 2013. While growing up in North Carolina, Earl enjoyed helping his Papa Parsons by picking blackberries and breaking hickory nuts with rocks.  He and his good friend Paul hunted crows regularly in an attempt to reduce their population in the local area.  Earl was a gentle, good man who knew how to bring out the best in those around him.  When confronted with the problems typical in this life, he would often say “Peace” and “This too shall pass”; hallmarks of his willingness to listen.  His emphasis during pastoring churches was always on the dignity of the individual and providing the human touch we all need.  He had a fondness for the woods and was a keen observer of human nature.  Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Beckley Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan.  In lieu of donations, Earl would ask each of us to show love to those around us every day. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org