Jeffrey Holland

Jeffrey S. Holland, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected healthcare leader, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength, leadership, and unwavering love for his family.

Born on the 13th of August 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jeff was the only child of Jeane and Gordy Holland. He grew up in Baltimore, where he developed an early sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic. As a boy, he enjoyed playing with trucks, trains, and building models, bringing energy and imagination to everything he did. Family trips to Ocean City, Maryland became cherished traditions, where he spent summers on the boardwalk and formed lifelong memories.

Jeff attended Bridgewater College before earning his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from the Medical College of Virginia. He became a Hospital CEO at age 30 and held numerous CEO and leadership positions for Tenant and Humana Corporations in Kentucky, Colorado and Louisiana. His career led him to Houston in 1997. He served as CEO for several Hospitals operated by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). He was widely respected as a brilliant, decisive, and steady leader. He took great pride in leading teams, mentoring others, and building organizations that made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Jeff had the philosophy of keeping employees engaged and happy to ensure that his facility provided a top-notch level of service to the community.

Jeff was a natural-born leader and a pillar of strength for those around him. Strong, steadfast, and deeply caring, he was the person others turned to in times of need. He had a commanding presence yet brought warmth and humor that brightened every room he entered.

In his personal life, Jeff found his greatest joy in his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria Holland; his daughter, Emily Holland and her husband, Michael Smith-Palmer, along with his beloved grandsons, Smith and Peyton; his son, Corey Holland; his stepson, Kevin Craig, and grandson Walker Craig; and his stepson, Kelly Craig and his wife Allison, and grandsons Cullen and Charlie.

Jeff also had a deep love for his dogs, who were, by family consensus, among the best-treated members of the household. His affection for animals extended beyond his home through his volunteer work with the Houston SPCA.

In retirement, Jeff embraced life with the same enthusiasm he brought to his career. He enjoyed traveling with Vicki and was an avid Houston Astros fan, rarely missing a game. He looked forward to attending Spring Training in Florida. He also continued his commitment to helping others by serving on the board of the Houston Council on Recovery, reflecting his lifelong dedication to supporting individuals and strengthening his community.

Jeff’s life was marked by resilience, leadership, and deep devotion to those he loved. He was, in every sense, the rock of his family. His legacy will live on in the lives he shaped, the people he led, and the family who loved him deeply.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 15th of May, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston.

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