William Lee Holland's Obituary
William Lee Holland, the son of Willie Holland and Mary Jenkins, was born October 30, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington. Bill passed away May 9, 2016 at St. Joseph Medical Center after a brief illness.
Bill was adopted as an infant by devoted parents Willie and Mary Holland. An only child, he was provided a loving home by his father, a prominent businessman and barber in Tacoma, and mother, a federal government employee who was active in several social and civil rights organizations.
Bill was raised in a close-knit community that included frequent overnight stays by his god brother, Rolly. What began as sibling rivalry blossomed into a deep and abiding friendship. Rolly remained at Bill’s side along every step of Bill’s life.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974 and served as an infantryman at Fort Hood, Texas, where he received a National Defense Service Medal and a Marksmanship Medal. He retired from military service in 1978 and took a civilian job as a Materials Handler at Fort Lewis, Washington. A few years later, he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Vocational Training from Tacoma Community College. He retired June 30, 2015 after 40 years of civil service.
In 2003, Bill received an unexpected letter from three siblings born to his birth mother. Excited to learn about twin sisters Kimberly and Emilie and his brother Keith, Bill united with them soon after. His mother, Mary, also hosted a welcome reception for Bill’s siblings attended by many friends and neighbors. The brothers and sisters enjoyed numerous barbecues, holidays, and birthdays celebrations.
Bill enjoyed a straightforward life enriched by a loyal circle of loved ones. A creature of habit, he regularly visited the Caballeros and Eagles clubs, which he affectionately referred to as his “watering holes.”
He is survived by god brother, Rowelette “Rolly” Brazel, siblings Kimberly Reason, Emilie Johnson, and Keith Reason, other relatives, and lifelong friends.
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