Although ten years have passed since Mr. Holland has left this world he will live on in some of my most cherished memories. He was my teacher from junior high on. He made school and music a joy for me. I loved watching him play the base. It was such a passion for him. 
You are missed and well remembered. 

Steve Shockney. Vandalia Butler class of 80.

 There'll be no sad songs from me for cousin Bill.  Having a supportive family, especially with parents who liked band music, he was able to pursue and eke out a career in an occupation he loved. This in a life of tension sandwiched between two destructive economic crashes/depressions, multitudinous existential threats and wars, and chaotic, cultural upheavels! Fortuitously, however, he was able to find good training and acceptance in musicianship circles then still in reasonable supply and still highly esteemed. He was fortunate to find music yet an ascendant form of entertainment to cheer us during these times, thanks in no small part to parades and football game halftimes here in the USA! Along the way he mastered the string double bass as well brass horns, performing in orchestras and ensembles as well as bands. Caught up (as most of us were) by that epitome of rollicking melody, harmonius rhythm, and catchy lyrics that was the stage and screen success "The Music Man," he found rewarding employment in music education. Not a bad legacy to leave behind, your own "Mr. Hollnd's Opus" ... good on yah, Bill.     Sincerely, your cousin Mary Baker

A good guy.  He had the passion.

Gregg Jackson '72 Butler

He was always a pleasure to have in our Friday Chair Yoga class, when he could come.  He was very interesting, delightful & talented in so many subjects.  I count myself as one very fortunate person to have known him & had him in class.  We all miss him, but know he is in a better place now!  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wonderful lady, Nancy Mullins.  She is a definite sweetheart & took such awesome care of Bill.

I remember bill waaay back when we played in Dayton,s all city orchestra in summer...he on base me on violin. He was always a nice person with a decent sense of humor and serious about making excellent music. I will always remember his d serious expression as he added his talent-heart-great ear and understanding of the emotions  the music required. Now---after all that high.falutin' stuff most I remember him as a great guy whom I liked to see joining any orchestra I was in. Family I am sorry for your loss... Please remember the beauty and fun he added to our world.

I was sorry to learn of Bill's passing and I want to convey my heart felt sympathy for his loss to the entire family.  I am one among many of his former students  who were impacted by his life and career as teacher and musician.  I remember well a particular Friday night when Mr. D unexpectedly was absent and all the responsibilities fell to the then very new addition to the band staff Bill Holland.  Fellow band students pushing his authority and laying on the sardonic teen/musician humor as he preserved past this gauntlet of acceptance.  But that particular night there was a sea change of respect and the loving adoption of a his nick name Pickles that stuck for the remainder of my high school years and meant he was now officially--in terms of student opinion-- an inexorable apart of the BDBITL clan. 

Bill played an important role in my development band director -- subbing for him at the middle school and passing the baton literally to me to lead the Vandalia Community Band the summer after completing my degree at UC.  Band directing at that time was still a very male dominated position so it was a thrill that he thought I was competent to stand in front of this group as leader especially since my UC advisor--the head of the music ed division!-- had told me plainly there were nice elementary ed jobs for a girl like me.   I remember after two school years without being hired for a band position I finally got that long awaited first band job here in Georgia.  I scheduled a lunch with Bill where I asked him to share all his experienced-honed teacher wisdom with me.  The notebook I brought and expected to fill with band director advice came home empty but what he said proved true-- every job and situation is different.  That I was more than ready/capable to do that job and would be just fine.  To keep the good of the existing program and take a year to see what changes would fit my style of teaching -- some of the best advice I ever got actually. Value music making, artistic excellence and to genuinely love the kids I would be given to instruct.  That advice got me through a 30 year career as a middle school band director full of both student and administrative  challenges as well as many rewarding experiences. I thank him for that and know that many others who came through VBHS long after myself were impacted by his devotion to the program and its students.

April Salyer Bell

Nancy, I was sorry to read of your loss.  I have vivid memories of both of you from our days together in the Vandalia-Butler schools.  Hold fast to the good memories.  Jim Jackson

To Nancy and all of Bill's family: I know your loss is difficult to bear. Bill brought joy and music to so many. I hope your happy years together will always remain in your hearts and minds.

OBITUARIO

William C. Holland

29 agosto, 1944 – 13 octubre, 2014

Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel

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