Edward Earl Holland, Jr.

   Edward “Eddie” Earl Holland, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the great age of 89.

   He was born in Portsmouth, OH, on July 24, 1935, to Edward Holland and Pearl Mae Rice Holland. Eddie was their youngest child and only son, and he had three sisters: Seddie Ballard, Emma Jean Albrecht, and Rosemary Varney.

   He married his “Sweetie Pie”, Joyce Geneva Royal, on November 7th, 1956, in Circleville, OH. They had almost 61 wonderful years together until her passing on August 21, 2017.

   Together they share one daughter, Tammy James of Portsmouth, OH; two grandsons, Max Holland (Heidi) James and Dusty (Emily) James, both of Portsmouth; one great-grandson, Bryson (Hannah) James of Raceland, KY; and two great-great-grandchildren, Westyn and Maisy James.

   A proud veteran, Eddie joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Korean War. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge and the Motor Vehicle Service Badge. He then attended the Ohio State Barber College, which would be his lifelong career for 62 years until he finally retired earlier this year. Eddie was a Master Mason, a proud Shriner, and a member of the American Legion Post 23.

   Eddie was also a great musician who loved to sing and pick on his guitar. He was the lead member in Portsmouth’s first rockabilly band in 1955, Eddie Holland and the Night Riders. Throughout the years, Eddie and Joyce loved spending their free time playing music together and entertaining family and friends. Eddie was also an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds.

   Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters, and his beloved wife. He is survived by his daughter, all his grandchildren, his special sister-in-law, Patty Livingston of Portsmouth, and the Livingston family. He will be dearly missed by all those who loved him. 

   A Gathering of Family and Friends on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 4 to 6 P.M. at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A Masonic Service will be conducted by the Lucasville Masonic Lodge #465 beginning at 6 P.M.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-21st St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.

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