Jerry Don Holland
September 2, 2020
Jerry Don Holland, age 79, of Gainesville, Florida passed away Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was born in Childress, Arkansas on December 14, 1940 to the late Johnnie West Scott and Armor Denard Holland.
He was a graduate of Childress High School and attended Arkansas State University. In 1958 he joined the United States Air Force where he worked on B-47 bombers and learned to fly. “Ear muffs” were not required at that time and to his demise the loud engine noises compromised his hearing. Following honorable discharge, in 1962 he arrived in Lakeland, Florida where he met and married his wife of 58 years Janie Lou Knowles. He worked as Produce Manager for Publix Supermarkets for 5 years and then became self employed as an international produce grower, salesman, packer and shipper of fresh fruits and vegetables, retiring in 1989.
Jerry was an avid pilot, boater, golfer and cattle rancher; enjoyed flying helicopters, reading, tinkering in the garage and riding his golf cart. He especially loved weekend getaways with “Ms Janie” and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved the Lord, and looked forward to weekly coffee and bible study with his best friends. Jerry never met a stranger, loved people and invested his time wherever he could make a difference. He was a great man, a wonderful husband, and loving father and “Papa” always guiding in the right direction with his endless wisdom and timeless advice, and taught the reward of hard work.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Taylor in 2008 and sister, Ruth Threet in 2011. Jerry is survived by his wife, Janie Lou Holland of Gainesville, Florida; his three children and their spouses, Deborah and David Bello of Newberry, Florida; Dawn and Dan Rikard of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; and Donnie and Heather Holland of Seminole, Florida; grandchildren, Lindsey, Justine and Dylon Dolbier, Andrew, Avery and Allison Rikard, Ansley (Thomas) Fitzpatrick, and JD, Brady and Kaylie Holland; his sister, Sharon Rose Wilson; many nieces and nephews of Arkansas; and special friends, Don Walker and Horace Sawyer of Gainesville, Florida.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center for their commitment and care to Jerry.
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Jerry was a good friend of mine. We went to school at Childress all our lives and had many adventures together as good old country boys, well not maybe always so good.
Sending our prayers and love to your family
I can remember when my sister, Janie, married JERRY. I thought he was so handsome. Jerry and I have always had a special bond. He was like a brother and I loved him so much. He was so sweet & loving. I will miss him so much! ❤️❤️ Thank you for loving me JERRY.
I love you all and I’ve been praying for each family member. I have many fond memories of Christmas evenings and weekend visits at your River House on the Caloosahatchee. Uncle Jerry taught us how to drive his boats and pulled us on tubes and knee boards. I saw my first manatee in the river there. I remember talking with him many times at the packing sheds and farms about so many different things. He always had a joke or a funny story to tell us!
After they moved it was fun to go to his and Aunt Janie’s Circle H Arena and enjoy their beautiful home and Arkansas Mountain View. In the most recent years it seemed harder to get together, but you were always willing to meet us, even for just a short visit.
Always loud, but always smiling and friendly. I am thankful to have you as my Great Uncle Jerry. I’m so glad you found Jesus and know how much He loves you! Till we meet again in Heaven! Love you!
JERRY AND I WERE BEST FRIENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL WE CALL HIM HATCHET HEAD I DO NOT KNOW WHY BUT HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND HE USED TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE WITH ME AND SPEND THE NIGHT THEN WE WOULD TAKE IN THE MOVIE MONETTE I HAVE SOME VERY FOND MEMORIES OF JERRY THAT I WILL ASLWAYS CHERISH GOD HAD A GREAT FRIEND
Jerry was such a nice man. Always happy and smiling. I loved listening to him tell stories.
Jerry was such a nice man. Always happy and smiling. I loved listening to him tell stories.
Sending heartfelt condolences to all who loved him. He will be missed by many.
Sending our love and prayers. Uncle Jerry your smile, laugh, hugs and wonderful stories will be missed. Out thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Jamie,, Deborah, Dawn and Donnie and your families.
Love,
Jon, Kenne and family
My friend, my neighbor, my brother in Arms. May the angels rejoice in the Lord bringing you home, May Grace be with your family and friends for the time we remain here on earth until we receive that call and see you again.