William Daniel Holly Jr.

Published 7:43 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025

William Daniel “Dan” Holly Jr., 85, of Suffolk, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Daniel “Dan” and Louise Russell Holly; his brother, James “Jimmy” Winston (Peggy) Holly; and his sister, Patricia “Pat” Holly (Jim) Skillman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Crocker Holly; sons, William Daniel “Danny” (Lynn) Holly III, and Christopher “Chris” Sydney (Cindy) Holly; grandchildren Carson Holly (Jason) Goodrich, Tyler Holly, Cole (Henna) Holly, Jordan Holly, and Zach Holly; great-grandchildren Gracie and William Goodrich; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Dan lived a remarkable life, inspiring many along his American dream journey from humble beginnings to self-made success. Throughout his life, he was a man of deep faith, who was wholly devoted to the Lord and his family. Dan overcame life’s challenges through a remarkable commitment to hard work and perseverance. From delivering groceries before and after school to assuming early jobs as a roofer and electrician, Dan was always driven by the value of learning a trade. He often said that becoming a master electrician was one of his proudest professional accomplishments.

In 1968, Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a garbage truck, a small route, and employ two workers. With the support of a devoted team and the guidance of trusted colleagues, and always with the help of his loving wife, he grew Holly’s Inc. Disposal Service into a thriving, three-state, five location regional operation by the time of its sale in 1995.

While Dan enjoyed playing golf and was an avid collector, his love for life was best on display while on his beloved farm. Dan’s “retirement” looked different from most and the farm became his new workplace. Dan was always up before the sun and did not return home for dinner with Betty until dark, his working spirit was always with him. Whether hosting extended family reunions or inviting others to join in his treasured hunts for birds, bear, and deer, Dan always found inner peace and joy sharing the farm with those he cared about most. Known throughout his life as Dan Jr., Dan, Big D, or Bossman, he eventually became simply “Pa.” Whether he knew you well or not, everyone was warmly greeted with “hello bud.” His grandchildren will forever treasure the life lessons and “Hollyology” he passed down, along with his famous stories, each filled with wit, wisdom, and warmth. Pa had a remarkable way of making each grandchild feel uniquely seen and supported, always offering guidance in his loving and steady way.

Throughout his life, Dan remained committed to giving back. Whether through time, talent, or leadership, he served as a board member and volunteer in numerous civic and professional organizations. These included Past Master of Hiram Lodge #340, First Baptist Church and the Businessmen’s Sunday School Class, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Chairman), Suffolk Peanut Festival (Chairman), Crestar Bank, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Suffolk YMCA, Western Tidewater Mental Health Services, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, and as a founding member of both the Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad and Rescue Dive Team. He was also active in the National Solid Waste Management Association and the Virginia Waste Industries Association.

In his final years, Dan bravely faced the challenges of dementia. While he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, we are comforted by the knowledge that he is now in Heaven, healthy and reunited with those who passed before him. No doubt, they are hearing all his stories once again. The family is especially grateful to his caregiver, Emma Jean Claud, for her professional and compassionate care. Betty, Danny, and Chris also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dan’s niece, Yvonne Johnson, for her enduring love and support.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 237 N Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.