James Richard Holyfield

James Richard Holyfield, 86, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020. He was born November 16, 1933 in Surry County and resided in Greensboro for the past 55 years. Preceding him in death are parents, Charlie Anderson and Ida Wood Holyfield; sisters, Mollie Rich, Lela Hardy, Dorothy Myers, and Favor Wells; brothers, Howard, Garland and Floyd Holyfield; two infant brothers; and grandchildren, Michael and Zachary Holyfield.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverly “Jeane” Gerringer Holyfield; children, Debbie Moore (Bobby), Diana Brown (Charlie) and James Holyfield Jr. (Lori); grandchildren, Matthew Moore (Amanda), Kevin Brown, Cory Brown, Kara Holyfield, and Ashlynn Holyfield; great grandchildren, James, Nicholas and Claire Moore.

James had many careers. He was a Marine and retired from the FAA as an electronics specialist. He owned Red’s Curb Market, taught at Danville Technical Institute, ran for Mayor of Greensboro, and started Grandpa’s Marine. He was a backhoe operator, auction connoisseur, firetruck owner, beach sand mountain creator, builder of lake houses, fixer of all things, practical joker, loving husband, father and grandfather.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 12:30 PM, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel officiated by Jerome Burcham. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 12:15 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.