Final Salute

John George Holland Jr. 96 years young passed away peacefully in his sleep, on his terms, on February 4, 2026, at the hospice care center of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

John was born to his parents John G. Holland Senior and Blanche James Holland on September 25, 1929. He and his younger brother Francis (Frank) A. Holland were raised at the children’s home in Ohio after their parents could no longer take care of them. While at the children’s home they were raised to work hard and do well in school. John joined the Navy when he was 18 years old.

John was in the Navy from 1948 to 1969 receiving 6 Good Conduct Awards, 2 National Defense Service Medals and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal. He was known as a Seabee, serving on the ships Randolph and Saratoga. Being away from his wife and children was difficult, but John felt their love and support while serving their country.

In Spain in 1958 John was involved in an explosion that resulted in 3rd degree burns over most of his body. He spent over two years in hospitals in Spain, Germany and Bethesda receiving skin-grafts and rehab. He chose to stay in the Navy for another 8 years he recovered.

Nothing meant more to John than his military service – until his wife and children joined him. When he retired from the Navy, he was thrilled to be able to be a dad in addition to a father. Those times were priceless. He loved teaching his kids to fish, taking them to the beach, attending school activities, and making memories.

After joining the Navy John and his brother lost contact with each other. They searched for each other for nearly 70 years, not giving up hope that one day they would see each other again. One day in the spring of 2014, by the grace of God, they were reunited by a stranger who found John while trying to contact Frank. They finally met that summer, and the family was able to meet their long-lost Uncle Frank. The day the brothers found each other again changed their lives forever. They were kindred spirits, made whole and reunited until Frank’s passing on September 20, 2025. After only 137 days they are reunited again, this time for eternity.

John had a tough start in life, but he picked himself up by his bootstraps and made the best of it. He did his best for himself and for his family through every step. He grieved each time a loved one passed away. After John G. III passed away, he said he couldn’t go through another time seeing someone he loved die. So, he closed his eyes for the last time knowing that his family loved him, and that he was cherished by all who knew him.

John was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy (the love of his life for over 50 years), his brother Frank, his eldest son John G. III, his youngest son Joe, his granddaughter Cathy, his sister-in-law, Mary Dino, and many other family friends and loved ones. He is survived by his children, Margaret, Francis, and Patty; his grandchildren, John, Ginger, Chandler, Alicia and David; his great grandchildren Magen, Rein, Casey, and Ezra. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Elaine Holland, step-granddaughter Pati, step-great-grandchildren Christopher and Tori, and step-great-great-granddaughter Alexsis. Elaine and Pati had a special place in John’s heart as they took care of him for almost 24 years.

Pop, watch over us in heaven and keep us safe. Let us know you’re there from time to time. Please never forget “if you can’t behave don’t ever get caught”, and have fun with your brother, wife, parents, children and all the rest of the gang in heaven. We will all have more fun living for eternity together. So, until we see each other again watch over us and keep us safe, happy and joyful, but most of all let us know peace.

A memorial mass will be held in John’s honor at 12:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church (7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421). A viewing will be held at the church from 11:00 to 11:45 that morning. John will be interred at Mt. Olivet cemetery immediately following the mass.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.

To send flowers to the family of John, please visit our floral store.