Thomas “Tom” Andrew Holliday, 83, passed away July 17, 2020. He is the son of the late Jesse and Mary Holliday. Thomas Holliday served in the United States Marine Corp and served two tours in Beirut as a Radio Operator 2nd ANGLICO attached to the 2nd MAR-DIV between 1955-1959. He loved and served his country with honor. He was a dedicated father and adored his four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Growing up in a small town, he was taught simple, hometown values that he carried with him his whole life. He was a loving and compassionate father, who fought for his children and taught them to be strong.
He loved the simple things and thoroughly enjoyed just about every sport! He adored hockey, golf and baseball and could remember all of the statistics and was always excited to watch any of the action on T.V. He was an avid bowler for many years and was proud of his achievements. He was a member of Anona United Methodist Church and was deeply concerned about the world and loved God and was committed to his faith. He had a silly sense of humor, which all of his children inherited! He never tired of letting his children use him as a diving board at the beach! He was a dedicated husband and loved his wife of 63 years!! His long-lasting marriage began in childhood and he knew without a doubt, he would marry that lovely girl he saw when riding his bicycle! After retirement, he worked for Publix Supermarkets where he made friends with many customers who loved and appreciated his mild manner. He was well loved by all who knew him and he was often referred to as a "gentle giant." In the last few years, he made friends with his neighbors who had a tremendous amount of respect for him. His kindness and sweet spirit will live within us forever.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Karen Holliday, 4 children; Julie Patterson and her husband, Mike of Orange Park, FL, Judi Conkel and her husband, Jeffrey of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Jill Shafer and her husband, Herb Matatall of Largo, FL, and Mike Holliday and his wife, Amy of Trinity, FL, 7 grandchildren; Shawn Patterson and his wife, Jessica, Christi Patterson, Steven Conkel and his wife, Meghan, Eric Shafer, Ashley Holliday, Mitchell Holliday, Joseph Holliday and 4 great grandchildren; Lilly Boyd, Hunter Hayes, Nolan Patterson and Irelyn Patterson, 2 brothers; Robert Holliday and his wife Karen, of Orlando, FL (children Susan Gage, Jenny Holliday Jones, Tom Holliday, Mindy Holliday King, Sherry Holliday), and Steve Holliday and his wife Pam of Dayton, OH.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 1st at 10:00 AM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo followed by a graveside service at Anona United Methodist Church Memorial Garden, 13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo.
