John Emory Holler Jr.

COLUMBIA A funeral service for The Reverend John Emory Holler, Jr., 78, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service in the church gymnasium. Burial will be held in the Lynchburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lynchburg, S.C.

Pastor Holler died Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born July 11, 1947 in Columbia to Dr. John Emory and Wilhelmina Stuckey Holler. He graduated from Wofford College, received his B.A. in Sociology, and was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and an ED. S in educational psychology from the University of S.C. His ministry began as Student Pastor at Washington Street United Methodist Church and was followed by his ministries in Norway, S.C, Latimer Memorial United Methodist Church, Trenholm Road Methodist Church, and Shady Grove United Methodist Church. He was Associate and then Executive Director of Carolina Pastoral and Family Counseling. After serving as the President, CEO of Epworth Children's Home from 2006-2021, he served as President Emeritus of Epworth until his death. In 2021, he was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by Governor Henry McMaster for his meritorious service. Additionally, "John Holler Day" was proclaimed by the City of Columbia.

Pastor Holler especially treasured his family and friends and was affectionately known as "Da" by his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Ryan Holler Radaker (Kyle) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; son, John Emory Holler III of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters, Edith Holler Hines (Jim), Georgia Holler Carnes (John), and Agnes Holler Walker, all of Columbia, and Dr. Alice Holler Trouche (Perry) of Charleston; grandchildren, Adlai Vassy Moore, Langston Emory Moore, Louisa Perry Moore; brother-in-law, Robert "Zip" Vassy (Patti) and dear nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Vicki Vassy Holler; her parents, Bobby and Rosemary Vassy; his parents, and his niece, Anna Marie Vassy.

Memorials may be made to Epworth Children's Home, P.O. Box 50466, Columbia, S.C. 29205 or Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.