Herbert Holloway

Herbert Lee Holloway

Born December 12, 1951, in Durham, North Carolina, Herbert grew up in New York and had been on his own since the age of 14. Growing up in poverty, in what many would view as a hopeless situation, he refused to let his circumstances determine his destiny. He developed a strong sense of style and a love for music that remained constant throughout his life. He was also a natural storyteller with the gift of gab, a quick wit, and a playful spirit.

Herbert loyally served in the United States Air Force from September 6, 1970, to March 6, 1984, receiving an Honorable Discharge. He had a strong work ethic and led by example, instilling those same values in his children. After leaving the military, he worked as an Environmental Engineer at the VA Hospital while simultaneously running his own Environmental Engineer service. At times, he worked three jobs to provide for his family. If his car wasn’t working, he walked to work. He often brought his children along, showing them firsthand the purpose of working hard for your family. He eventually rose from an Environmental Engineer to President of the VA Union.

He was an amazing artist and scholar, graduating from Bellevue College with honors. He practiced martial arts and ensured his children learned it as well. He was an avid chess player, a talented DJ, and an exceptional cook who prepared international meals for his children—recipes now passed down to future generations. A well-cultured man, Herbert enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, like relaxing to the sound of thunderstorms and rain on a tin roof until he drifted off to sleep.

My siblings and I know what he was most proud of was knowing he brought his children to Christ, and that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren all know God.

Herbert was baptized on April 19, 2019, and was a proud member of New Bethel Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ in Omaha, Nebraska. Herbert was preceded in death by his father, Ozell Holloway; mother, Dora Holloway; brothers, Otis, Eugene and Tony; and sisters, Gloria Ann and Rosemary. He is survived by his sisters, Nellie Jones and Denise Baptist; daughters Tara Meeks-Watson (Carl), DeWanda Holloway, Nikki Holloway, son Herbert Lee Holloway II; and daughter Carissa Holloway; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones.

His life was very representative of his favorite scripture which was: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)