Born on March 21, 1952 in Newport News, VA, Larry was the fifth child of the late Arthur and Louise Holland. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Willie B Holland, two sisters, Alvenia Holland and Nancy Pearl Reid, granddaughter Aubrey Wynn, and in-laws Marsella and Sarah Willmore.
Larry graduated from Huntington High School in 1970. It was there where he met and subsequently married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Watkins, on November 4, 1972. To this union was born a beautiful daughter, Tanisha Monique. Though their marriage ended, Valerie and Larry remained great friends and co-parents throughout life.
During the height of the Vietnam War, Larry served his country proudly and bravely, joining the Army and serving as a helicopter artillery engineer. He served time in country and left the military service after 4 years.
Larry attended Thomas Nelson Community College which was transformative in two big ways. He first fell in love with the idea of teaching there and took classes in early childhood education. He would finish his studies and earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Columbus State University in 1996. While studying at Thomas Nelson Community College, he spent nights and weekends as a floor guard at a local skating rink. It was there that the most transformative life event happened: he met the love of his life, Victoria Regina Lewis. What Larry didn’t know is that his heart would be captured by two ladies during this meeting. Victoria had an amazing daughter named Taesha Danielle who he loved instantly and she loved her daddy.
Larry and Victoria were married on December 25, 1982, and remained steadfast in their love and commitment until his passing. Two more daughters, Sequia Annise and Kimille Elizabeth, completed their family. If you’ve lost count, that’s four daughters. He was the ultimate Girl Dad.
Larry was an incredible dad but an even better Pop-Pop. His grandchildren were his absolute joy in his later years. He could be found in the pool splashing around with them, playing games, watching them play outside on their playground or jump house, and cooking gourmet meals-French toast, pancakes, and waffles for everyone! Larry had special nicknames for each of his grandbabies and referred to them by those names affectionately.
Larry held many jobs throughout his life, but nothing brought him as much joy as being a teacher. He taught second grade at Double Churches Elementary School for 20 years until his retirement in 2015. He thoroughly enjoyed touching children’s lives and guiding them to greater heights. It brought him immense joy to see former students around town, grown up and living their best lives.
Larry led a very active social life and was larger than life. From skating to singing to watching his Redskins (Commanders), he was always ready to have a good time. One of his greatest passions was bowling. Larry was a league bowler for the past 30 years. In league bowling, he not only got exercise but became a part of a wonderful community. Several of his bowling buddies have become family (friends that are like family).
Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Dr. Victoria Lewis-Holland, his four daughters Tanisha Holland, Taesha Wynn (Pogo), Dr. Sequia Holland- Ellis (Daryl), and Kimille Brunson, NP, his grandchildren Sierra, Rashon, and Saniyah Wynn, Kristopher and Kyanna Holland, Ethan, Marlie, and Zuri Ellis, and Noah and Amani Brunson, his sisters Yvonne Jowers (Thomas) and Tammy Watlington (Edward), his sister-in-law Elva Lewis, his brothers-in-law Milton (Arlene) and Lloyd Lewis, his framily (friends that are like family) Belvin and Mary Milner, Dave and Brenda Bellamy, and Roderick and Tanya Lewis, and a host of other family, friends, colleagues, and students.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us”- Helen Keller
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the Fisher Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. A visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, GA.
