John Russell Holloway, Sr.

John Russell Holloway, Sr., 68, of Ridgely, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Born on July 20, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Charles F. Holloway, Sr. and the late Evangeline Gonzalez Holloway.

John (“J.R.”) earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he became a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan and devoted supporter of Volunteer football. It was also during his time in Knoxville that he met the love of his life, Vicki Lynn Holloway, beginning a journey together rooted in love, faith, and family.

John’s professional life was marked by dedication and service. He began his career with NASA, later served with the Tennessee Valley Authority, and spent the majority of his career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he remained until retirement. In every role, he was respected for his intelligence, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment.

To many in Bartlett, Tennessee, John was simply known as “Coach.” He poured his heart into mentoring young people, coaching nearly every sport, and making a lasting impact on countless children and families. Through years spent on ballfields and sidelines, he formed lifelong friendships and became a trusted mentor, encourager, and friend to many.

Above all, family was the center of John’s life. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved—whether coaching his children, cheering them on, or simply enjoying time together. Some of his most cherished memories were made on the water, where he loved to fish and share special moments with family.

A man of deep and abiding faith, John was a devoted member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, where he lived out his faith in both word and deed. He faithfully served as Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus and was also an active member of the Ridgely Senior Center, where he enjoyed treasured friendships and happy times.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee, with Father Patrick Hirtz officiating. Interment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Cagle Cemetery, 85 Bear Creek Road, Henderson, Tennessee.

He is survived by his seven children: Natalie Carmichael (Barry) of Bartlett, Tennessee; Karen Marchand (Robert) of Gilbert, Arizona; Caitlyn Hicks (Dallas) of Columbia, South Carolina; Lydia Fletcher (Paul) of Knoxville, Tennessee; Julie Holloway of Knoxville, Tennessee; John Holloway, Jr. (Annabelle) of Ridgely, Tennessee; and James Holloway (Taylor) of Knoxville, Tennessee; his sister, Barbara Holloway of Springfield, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Gale Holloway of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and a beloved Grandaddy to Adeline, Abaigael, Amelia, James Ayden, Sebastian, Chase, Trevor, Liam, Zoe, Owen, Evalynn, and Larkin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vicki Lynn Holloway, and his brother, Charles Holloway, Jr.

May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis Tennessee 38104 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwillliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Russell Holloway, Sr.

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