Bruce Holl

Bruce Rolland Holl, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10. Born and raised in Ames, Iowa, he was the oldest son of Irma and Dio Holl. Staying in Ames, he graduated from Iowa State in 1950 where he met his wife of 74 years, Sally Simpson Holl.

"BopBop," as he became known to his family in his later years, lived a full and active life. He enlisted in the Navy when he turned 18 near the end of World War II. His family is forever grateful that he chose to focus on his training than to volunteer for the "A-bomb" Project, where none of his peers who volunteered survived.

He joined General Electric right after college and worked there for his entire 37 year career, moving many times. He was part of the team that opened the General Electric plant in Greenville, SC. A highlight in his last few years was a personal tour of that plant more than 50 years later.

Bruce was an athlete and he rarely sat still unless it was to read. Famously known for having never watched TV except for sports and the news, he was a notorious walker and golfer and always willing to play sports with his family. He was a state champion in golf and basketball, but you had to know him well before he would talk about any of his accomplishments. He easily shot his age in golf over 1000 times as he was a scratch golfer who played almost everyday into his 90's. He had 10 hole-in-one's but his golf highlight was when he shot 73 in a tournament at the age of 92.

Bruce is survived by his wife of almost 75 years, Sally, and five children; Barbara Finley (Phil) of Sumter SC, Carrie Dickert of Greer SC, James Holl (Suzanne) of Bahama NC, David Holl of Dallas TX and Jeffrey Holl of Cornwall NY. He is also survived by his sister Beth Bierbaum of Wellesley MA and was predeceased by his brother Bill and his daughter-law Suzanne. He has 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, four of his descendants are his namesake Bruce.

Services will be held at 1 o'clock on Sunday, October 19 at Rolling Green Village in the Blue Ridge-D room in the Village Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bruce's honor may be made to Rolling Green Village, Resident's Assistance Fund, at 6 Hoke Smith Boulevard, Greenville SC 29615.