Alvin Richard Holland died in the early morning hours of March 22, 2022 of heart failure, with his children, Heather and Zach, and his wife Norma, by his side.
He was born in Gastonia, NC on December 16th, 1946. The oldest child of Clyde Allen Holland and Ruth Wall Holland. Alvin is survived by his younger sister Cathey Holland Heffner and his younger brother Clyde Allen Holland, Jr.. Alvin was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served in Panama as a Technical Controller with Headquarters, USASTRATCOM Signal Service Battalion for 3 years, living with his new bride Norma Jean. They returned to the US in 1972 and settled on 25 acres of family land in Filbert, SC. As partners they built Holland Plumbing, and over the years Alvin trained many young men and women how to plumb with several going on to start their own businesses. Always take off your shoes when you go into someone else’s house.
Alvin was a complicated man, but his 75 years allowed him to touch many lives in a positive manner through his hobbies and passions. He worked tirelessly on his home, lake, and land to make it a sustainable habitat for wildlife and a place his family and friends could come to enjoy nature. One of his favorite activities was walking around the property with family and friends pointing out the various wildlife and explaining their habitat. Many snakes were caught, but never killed. He was just as passionate about fishing and hunting deer, rabbit and turkey. He took many people under his wing to teach them responsible hunting and gun ownership. Always keep your gun on safety until you are ready to shoot.
Alvin was a Christian man and committed to serving as a Presbyterian deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Group Leader. He chaperoned many church youth skiing, hiking, and beach trips. Later in life he led arts and crafts for younger children at Vacation Bible School. He also enjoyed his time on staff with Cursillo weekends. He loved to read Bible stories with his grandchildren. The most important lesson is read your Bible.
Alvin will be missed by his family: his wife of 53 years Norma Steele Holland; his daughter and son-in law Heather and David Templeton, with their twins Ella and Sam; his son and daughter-in-law Zach and Melissa Holland, with their three children Cullen, Sawyer, and Aspen. Alvin’s wish for us all is to “Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory, Children of the Lord”
Alvin donated his body for research to the Center for Anatomical Sciences and Education at the Medical University of South Carolina. A celebration of life service will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at justgiving.com/alvin-holland. Alvin lived his life honoring its mission of conserving and restoring South Carolina's wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Holland family.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Alvin Richard Holland, please visit our floral store.