‘Lew’ Holliman (5-20-11)

Marion Lewellyn “Lew” Holliman died Friday May 20, 2011, following a nine year courageous battle with cancer.

Born October 6, 1927, in Warren County, he was the second child born to Marion Neal and Mary Elizabeth Fulghum Holliman. He was the fifth generation of his family to be born in Warren County.
He was raised on the family farm where he developed his love for animals and the outdoor life of hunting and fishing. He attended schools in Warren County and graduated in the Warren County High School Class of 1944. After graduation from high school he attended the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and a Master’s of Education. His college was interrupted for two years when he was called to serve his country. He was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Army, European Theater, Italy.

Mr. Holliman was a member of the Warrenton First Baptist Church. He was also currently a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Georgia Retired Teachers Association and the American Saddle Horse Association.

He was respected and loved by thousands of school children whom he taught in the classroom for 24 years, during those years, he taught one year at Thomson High School, Thomson, one year at Warrenton High School, Warrenton, and 16 years at Jefferson High School, Jefferson. He was very committed to teaching and enriching young minds. He taught all the sciences, mathematics, drivers education and some English classes. His former students include doctors, nurses, college professors, bankers, lawyers, business owners and astronauts. Most say he taught them academically but also about life in general which was very special.

In 1964, Mr. Holliman was elected Jackson County School Superintendent, a position he held until 1980, at which time he retired. After a short period of time, disliking retirement, he returned to the classroom for six years at Brenau Academy, Gainesville. After his second retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two granddaughters, gardening and raising American Saddle Horses for show.

Mr. Holliman was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Evelyn Holliman Belyeu; a son, John Bunyan (“J”) Holliman; nephew, Bradley Keith Marlowe; and brother, George M. Holliman. There will be a great void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Mr. Holliman is survived by his wife of 55 years, Minnie Sue Brooks Holliman, Pendergrass; daughter and son-in-law, Lucy and Andy Byers, Hoschton; granddaughters, Emily Brooke Byers, Auburn, Ala., and Rachel Elizabeth Byers, Hoschton; sisters-in-law, Jackie Brooks, Pendergrass, and Regeana Thompson, Columbus; brother-in-law, Larry Brooks, Pendergrass; a host of nieces and nephews; and dear family friend, Willie (Bear) Pittman.

Graveside services at Pendergrass Baptist Church Cemetery were held Sunday May 22, with the Rev. J. Frank Sailers officiating. Pallbearers were Johnny Marlowe, Andy Marlowe, Judd Wilkes, Willie Pittman, Jake Marlowe, and Eddie Griffin. Honorary Pallbearers were Wade Wilkes, Doug Hulsey, Dan Ray and Al Belyeu.
A special thanks to caregivers: Christy Bond, Hope Poole, Eddie Griffin, Gina Mutter and Odyssey Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pendergrass Cemetery Upkeep Fund, C/O Mrs. Linda C. McMullan, P.O. Box 146, Pendergrass, Georgia 30567.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.