Capt. Cleveland George Holladay, III

Born on October 23, 1950, in North Platte, Nebraska, Cleveland was the son of George Cleveland Holladay II and Sallie Louise Smith.

Cleveland lived a life marked by purpose, adventure, and love. As a young man, he proudly served six years in the United States Air Force, where he discovered a lifelong fascination with weather and the natural world. Inspired by that passion, he earned his degree in Meteorology from the University of Florida State and went on to build a distinguished career doing what he loved.

For more than twenty years, Cleveland worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee while raising his four children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. When retirement arrived, Cleveland realized he was not yet ready to close the meteorology chapter of his life. Taking a leap of faith, he applied for his dream position with the Environmental Protection Agency in San Francisco, California. That decision proved to be one of the greatest adventures of his life, and he spent some of his happiest and most fulfilling years there.

Cleveland was a man whose character left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was kindhearted, humble, accepting, and genuine. More than anything else, he was a devoted father who loved his children fiercely and would have moved mountains to protect and support them. He was a loving husband through the different chapters of his life and an extraordinary friend whose loyalty, wisdom, and compassion touched countless people.

Many have described Cleveland as “a gem of a human being, kind and supportive, with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude.” Others remember his gentle spirit, his generosity, and the way he made everyone feel valued and welcome. These words only begin to capture the remarkable man he was.

Cleveland was a life beautifully lived, defined not by titles or accomplishments alone, but by the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His legacy of kindness, strength, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Holladay; his daughter, Jacqueline Mitchka (Derek); his stepdaughters, Danielle Riddle (Barron), and Jessica Ekholm (Jason); his sisters, Louise Roth (Dan), and Margaret Holladay and his stepson, Matthew (Amanda).

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Eaton; his daughter, Shana Holladay; and his son, Cleveland George Holladay IV.

Family and friends are invited to an informal memorial gathering on November 20, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Culley’s Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel, in Tallahassee, Florida. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Tallahassee National Cemetery.

Though Cleveland is no longer with us, his love, wisdom, and gentle spirit remain woven into the lives of those he cherished. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.