"Together Again"

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my grandfather, Harvey Lee Holling, affectionately known as Bill, who unexpectedly exchanged mortality for immortality on Saturday, June 22, 2024. He was born October 20, 1941, in Mount Andrew, Alabama to parents Luke Maddox and GerthaRee Holling.

Bill and his family moved from Mount Andrew, Alabama to Akron, Ohio where he attended Akron Public Schools graduating from North High School. After graduation, he worked odd jobs before starting his career at Chrysler Stamping Plant in Twinsburg, Ohio, where he retired after more than 30 years of service .

Bill was an amazing man who loved unconditionally. He wasn't a man of many words, often times answering with only one word. He was quiet in nature, but when he spoke you listened. His no meant no and his yes meant yes but he rarely used the word NO. Bill was a man of his word and never let you down. The patience he displayed was astounding. He rarely got upset or complained about anything.

Bill loved his family and always did what he could to help them, even up to his final days. His son, Little Harvey, was his pride and joy. He would move mountains for him and always stood by him through the good and bad times. He absolutely adored his granddaughter Tamika, whom he raised along with his wife Dora; she was their baby, and everyone knew it. Then came his great-grandchildren Boogie and Baby Jay, who kept him young at heart. He was their personal Lyft driver to and from school, to practices, or wherever they needed to go, and he loved doing it; that was their bonding time.

Through the years, Bill took exceptional care of his family, especially his wife. During her declining health, he honored his vows, "In Sickness and In Health". He became her primary caregiver; he took time with her and handled her with care. He didn't depend on anyone when it came to her; he would say she was his responsibility. He never boasted about what he did for people; he did it out of love. He knew love was an action word.

While taking care of everyone else, he took time for himself. One of his favorite pastimes was bowling. He bowled in several leagues during the week and often traveling to different cities and states for tournaments, until his health declined, and he was unable to do so. He enjoyed sitting on his patio enjoying the weather or doing yard work. On relaxing days, he sat in his robe in his recliner, watching his Westerns, doing word puzzles to relax his mind, or just sitting in the living room, enjoying the quietness. When he would get bored around the house he would get in his car and take drives exploring neighboring cities listening to his Blues. Bill lived his life exactly as he wanted with no regrets.

Bill was an extraordinary man, who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dora Lee Holling; sons Mark Springer and Harvey Barnes; brother Charlie Holling; brother-in-law McKinley Sanders, Willie T. Cooper, and Rev. Dr. Luther C. Cooper; niece Cecilia Johnson; nephews Richard Johnson, and Harvey Johnson

Left here on earth to cherish his memory are his granddaughters Tamika (Cullen) Rogers, Ken'yara Warren, and Char'Lee Barnes; grandsons Markell, Derrell Springer, Harvey and Jalen Barnes; Special great-grandchildren who he helped raise and who were dear to his heart O'Shae Foster and Javaan Rogers, who he affectionately called Boogie and Baby Jay; sisters Isabell (Mansfield) Coffey, Ethel (Timmy) Hodges, Louise (Stanley) Massey and Lou Ethel Scales; sister-in-law Carlee Cooper; brothers Howard Holling and Anthony Holling; brother-In-Law Sylvester (Sally) Cooper and a host of family and friends.

Condolences can be mailed to 1084 Courtland Ave, Akron OH 44320.