Clarence Robert (Cr) Holloway Jr.

Clarence Robert (C.R.) Holloway Jr. passed into eternal rest on Wednesday April 8, 2020 at the wonderful age of 100 years. He was the son of the late Clarence Robert Holloway Sr. and Marie Francoise Germaine Lauduimiey. He is preceded in death by the love of his life Marion Hecker Holloway after 69 years of devoted marriage and by brothers, Kenneth (Gene) and Charles (Inky) and is survived by Inky’s wife, Nina Mae. He is also survived by three children Bob Holloway (Alice), Rick Holloway (Patricia) and Pam Randazzo (Manny) who gave him nine grandchildren that affectionately knew him as Pop Pop, Chris Holloway (Beth), Elizabeth Davis (Kevin), Stephen Holloway, Kevin Riley (Leigh), Erin Hurst (Bryan), Patrick (Bubby) Riley (Mallory), Paige Riley (John, engaged), Erick Holloway (Sarah) and Dylan Holloway who in turn blessed him with nine (so far) great-grandchildren, Elise, Anna, Lottie, Luke, Lillian, Collette, Riley, Cole and Logan. CR lived a kind, loving and extremely faith filled life. Born in New Orleans on December 22, 1919, his first real life experience in survival came quickly during the Great Depression. In his early teens, even though his father had a decent job in the lumber industry, he learned he had to work for everything and he once said he felt rich if he had 25 cents in his pocket. Upon graduation from Fortier High School in 1937 he attended Spring Hill College in Mobile for a year, where he considered joining the priesthood. After realizing that God had other plans for him, he moved on the LSU. During that time, he and his brother Ken, spent hours at the Lakefront Airport watching planes land and take off and they both became enthralled with flight. Their mother was less than pleased when told they wanted to be pilots. After a few years at LSU, World War II broke out. He quit school, joined the Army-Air Corps and went to Pensacola for flight training, fulfilling his dream. Upon graduation he joined the 8th Air Force, then stationed in England, to begin his war duty as a fighter pilot abord a P-47. CR recently expressed how proud he was to fly air support for the D-Day landing. During his war duty he flew 59 missions in support of Gen. Patton as he marched across France. In that campaign CR was awarded the Air Metal as well as The Distinguished Flying Cross for valor and numerous other awards and medals. When asked how he handled facing possible death every day he said, “We didn’t think about it, we had to do it so we did it.” The Greatest Generation knew what was at stake. He said he always had his Rosary in one hand and the stick in the other. In surviving both the Great Depression and World War II, CR learned how to persevere, how to look fear in the eye, how to give it all ya’ got, and to succeed. These experiences became the bedrock for which his life of faith was based. All this was possible because of his strong faith, that his Guardian Angel would keep him safe no matter what, and that God had more for him to accomplish in his life. After the war he returned to New Orleans, worked for his uncle in the lumber business and married Marion, his sweetheart in 1946. A little more than a year later his first son arrived. When the Korean War started CR was called back to duty serving a year there aboard his trusty P-47. Again, he flew mission after mission, rosary and stick in hand, and returning safe and sound. Once again God had more plans for him. He loved flying so much that he decided to make the Air Force his career and the next chapter began. As is normal in the military, one doesn’t get used to any one place for long and CR and his family had their share of travel with 10 duty station assignments. Beginning at Pensacola, Fl. then Albuquerque, NM, Houma, LA, Carolina Beach, NC where he commanded an early warning radar installation and his second son arrived, followed by Fontainebleau, France with NATO, where his daughter arrived, Norfolk, VA, graduating from the Armed Forces Staff College, Stewart AFB in Newburgh, NY, where he earned his BS in Military Science from the University of Maryland, one year in Unalakleet, Alaska as CO again of an early warning radar installation, returning to Stewart AFB a second time then finally at Gunter AFB, Montgomery, AL where he retired as a Major in 1967 with 20 years of service. During that entire time his faith was his compass. Nearly every night CR could be found kneeling against his bed praying the rosary. Returning to New Orleans to begin another phase CR and Marion reunited with their entire extended family. He worked for Clyde W. Smith Office Furniture Co. eventually becoming the top salesman. Settling into civilian life he never stopped working and praying. He often said, “Pray like everything depends on God and work like everything depends on you.” and this became his motto. During these years Mimi and Pop Pop raised and nurtured their children enabling them to graduate from Southeastern La. University, Xavier University in Pharmacy and LSU School of Nursing. Easy to think that would be it but no, CR wasn’t done yet. Gradually the grand-children started coming along and that’s when CR really came into his own. He and Mimi purchased a condominium in Pass Christian known to the family as Mimi’s condo and Pop Pop’s pier. For years it was the family gathering place for every holiday and special occasion. His older grand-children thought it was their home-away-from-home because they spent so much time there. Favorite pastimes were swimming in the pool, fishing, BBQ’s, bingo, and of course golf. CR loved the game and played nearly every weekend with his best friends who the family knew as Uncle Bob and Uncle Red. Their wives, Aunt Elaine and Aunt Audrey were always there as well. It was only after quite some time that his son found out they were not blood relatives. In the evening the six best friends would sit by the BBQ pits drinking Old Fashions while the ladies remembered their lifelong friendships beginning in grammar school at Holy Rosary. CR instituted a family practice of gathering monthly to say the rosary and reflect on our faith. The routine lasted many years and became the basis for family prayer, again, faith was at the heart of CR’s mission. He also lived out his faith as a long-time active member of St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Dominic Parish and a fundraiser for a mission at Tarahumara, Mexico. In CR’s later years his life changed. Mimi passed away in 2015 and his health began to gradually decline but he always remained true to his faith foundation insisting, even at 98, to attend Sunday Mass. He always had his guardian angel pin on his shirt and had no fear of a fall saying that his Angel, Jerry, (yes, he has a name) would look out for him. By this time CR’s personality was his signature. He was always happy to see anyone who came to visit. The first question was “How you doin’” then how was everyone individually that he associated with the visitor. This question was asked from his heart with great enthusiasm because he really cared how everyone was, again rooted in faith. The next question was “What can I do for you, do you need anything?” and he meant it. If there was anything needed it was just an ask away. These two questions were really all he cared about and all CR wanted to know. Truly this was his faith on display through love and generosity. As CR became less able to care for himself a group of ladies came into his life who loved him and cared for his every need with dedication and kindness. Margaret, known affectionately as “Sarge” saw to his showering and shaving and wouldn’t take no for an answer if it was that time. Lenora, Julie, Christian, Danette, Tinice, Vera, and Lynette rounded out the group. Each of these ladies loved CR and he loved them. He would constantly comment on how pretty they were and how appreciative he was for their care. He was never difficult, always smiling, always happy to see them, always complementing them and always agreeable. Even if the TV volume had to be above 50 while he claimed he didn’t need to wear his hearing aids. To a person he was the nicest and kindest person they ever cared for. Now CR’s final mission was about to take off. Unfortunately, during this difficult time and in spite of intensive efforts for isolation he tested positive for COVID-19 and entered East Jefferson Hospital but no, it wasn’t to be that simple. As usual CR turned on his charm, agreeability, and kind nature gaining the admiration of all who attended him. Nurses Elizbeth, Leslie and Amy as well as Dr. Poulet all couldn’t say enough kind things about him. After a few days there, CR was transferred to Omega Hospital and he continued right where left off. When being rolled in upon transport, two nurses in full PPE greeted him where his immediate remark was, “They sent the two prettiest nurses out to get me”. Of course, from that point on he was the favorite patient cared for by Vicki and Skyline but everybody else wanted to care for. And that was his final mission. To bring a smile, a laugh, some kindness and a bit of relief to those giving care in this difficult time. This is what CR’s faith taught him and by which he lived his entire life and succeeded on every mission. Soon CR fell asleep and Jerry came to greet him. He is now with Mimi, his brothers and best friends in a great reunion in the presence of God. Dad you will be long missed but never forgotten. Thank you for your love and all you’ve given us and done for us. As is common now the funeral Mass will be for the immediate family only, but we will plan a huge celebration of CR / Dad / Pop Pop’s love, life and legacy when we can get together to hug our hearts out. In keeping with CR’s passion for giving, he would smile and be truly thankful to all those who would be so kind as to make a donation in his name to The St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave, NOLA 70124 where he was a dedicated lifelong member. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.