Holland Franklin Mabes Jr. USMC (Ret.)

MSGT Holland Mabes, Jr. USMC (Ret) went to meet the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2015, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on June 19, 1946, to Lorene (Land) and Holland Mabes, Sr. in Leaksville, NC. The family moved to Winston Salem in 1950, where MSGT Mabes graduated from North Forsyth High School. He joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served two tours in Viet Nam. He continued to serve this country through the Marines until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Mabes then worked from Moore Public Schools in Oklahoma for 13 years. Moving back to Winston Salem to be near his family in 2004, he joined the First Church of the Nazarene on Shattalon Dr. and served relentlessly by cleaning and keeping the yard mowed. He also devoted his time to caring for or helping his family any way that he could.

Mabes is preceded in death by his mother, Lorene (Land) Mabes; his sister, Joan Johnson; and two brother-in-laws, Done Cole and Anthony Hubbard. He is survived by his wife, Michele (Merritt) Mabes; his father, Holland Mabes, Sr.; three sisters: Carol Cole, Frances Hubbard, and Linda (Larry) Norman; and one brother, Henry (Kim) Mabes. Mr. Mabes has three children: Cynthia (Thomas) McNaughton; Holland (Christel) Mabes, III; and April (Anthony) Speliotes. He also has two step-sons: Van (Lisa) Orrell; and Kevin (Elizabeth) Orell. There are 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a man who gave freely to family and church. He lived by the values instilled in him by the Church and the Marines. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He will be missed.

Visitation and funeral service will be held at The Winston Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 4555 Shattalon Dr. on Friday, September 18th at 10:00 am. Graveside Service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park. Special thank you to Rev. Geoff LaLone for officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.frankvoglerandsons.com. Arrangements made by Frank Vogler and Sons Funeral Home, Reynolda Chapel.