Leland O’Neal Holliman, age 87, passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, January 29, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Katherine Orr Holliman (Katie) for nearly 46 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Oreland Holliman, and Eva White Holliman, as well as his sister, Lanelle Holliman Chandler and two brothers who died in early childhood, Murry Edwin Holliman and William Elli Holliman. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Joseph Holliman, John Aragon, Christopher Aragon and Paul Holliman, as well as his sisters, Janie Holliman, Alice Holliman Chandler and Nelda Holliman Elmore. He had eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew as well as many cousins, especially Conley Linton Ballinger who was just like a brother to him.
Lee, as he was known by everyone, was born in Fayette, Al on a small farm. He graduated from Fayette County high school in 1952. He earned a BS in Education, Biological and Social Science with honors from University of North Alabama State in Florence, Al, as well as a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Al utilizing the GI bill and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He taught Math and Science, before joining The Boeing Company as an Industrial Relations Manager in the New Orleans, LA, Michoud plant division working on the Saturn Apollo program. (Astronauts to the moon.) After the Apollo program ended he joined Allis Chalmers as their HR Manager in New Orleans. Next, Lee made a major career change from private industry to public industry with TVA in Chattanooga, TN and became the Human Resource Manager for the Division of Nuclear Power for ten years. Lee then rejoined The Boeing Company in Washington, D.C. before being transferred again to New Orleans and from there to his final assignment in Irving, Texas as Human Resource Manager.
Lee was an Army veteran, who served in Germany during the Korean War. He was quiet and intelligent. In Lee’s earlier years, while in New Orleans, he coached little league football and basketball. Additionally, he loved camping and being with friends and family. He absolutely loved all of University of Alabama (Tide) sports, but football was his favorite. ROLL TIDE.
Lee retired in 1999 and returned to Chattanooga, TN to be with Katie, his boys and grandchildren.
We must acknowledge the loving support from family, friends and Hospice of Chattanooga who were an enormous help to Katie these last few weeks. They were there frequently providing support, supplies and care.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421. Because of the Covid-19 virus there will be only private visitation and the burial will be private as well in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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