HOLLY
Harold ‘Herkimer’ Holly, 85, began life on June 15, 1927, in Lockington, Ohio, for Harold Eugene Holly, ‘Herkimer’ or just ‘Herk,’ a nickname he was known for around town.
After serving in the Marines during World War II, he traveled to West Virginia where he met Rheta Williamson. They were married for 59 years at the time of his passing on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.
He is survived by Rheta and their two children, Carlton (Marie) Holly and Jana (Mark) Thompson.
His was a familiar face at Stockdale’s Supermarket for many years and retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation. After his retirement he had been employed at the Rader-Lynch And Dodds Funeral Home as a funeral home assistant.
A love of landscaping at the family home once earned him a ‘Yard of the Week’ award by the London Garden Club. He will be forever fondly remembered for a great sense of humor.
Singing and playing gospel music on his Dobro guitar was a passion. His love of country music would lead to writing a weekly opinion column for “The Community Booster.” Herk and Rheta played with many area musicians, which took them on travels to play events in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky including the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. In his later years they would perform regularly for senior centers and church functions.
Harold was from a large family with 10 siblings.
He was preceded in death by parents, John W. and Gladys E. Holly; brothers and sisters, Samuel Holly, Helen Omler, Mary Wilcox, Catherine Gilmore, Shirley Lynn, and Vincent Holly.
The siblings that survive are, Joe (Lilly) Holly, Joan (Joe) Francis and Jean (Jim) Barlow. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at RADER-LYNCH & DODDS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 124 E. High St., London, Ohio, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with funeral service to follow. The Reverend John Long will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Kirkwood Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.rldfuneralhome.com.
