William Raymond Holley's Obituary
William Raymond “Ray” Holley, age 94 of Hoschton formerly of Austell passed away January 14, 2018. Ray turned down a full college scholarship to serve our country in the United States Army during WWII. He served under Dwight D. Eisenhower in Paris, France and had 250 men directly under his command. After returning from World War II, he attended and graduated from Oglethorpe University in 1949, along with being placed in the National Honor Society. Ray received his Masters degree in Education. He worked for Rich’s Department Store as a furniture salesman for over 30 years. After retiring, Ray taught ceramics and painting classes. He started his own business called “Holley Creations” where he created stained glass art, paintings, and ceramics. He served as choir director, organist, and sang in a quartet for several churches in Georgia. Ray was a lifelong bachelor until he was 77 years old, when he met and eloped with his wife, Bonnie. He was a world traveler whose favorite destinations included Paris and Ireland. Ray was an animal lover who took in abandoned cats and dogs, and left 17 cats to his niece, Rosa Mary. His favorite past-time was going dancing with his sister, Rosa Ruth, and entering jitter-bug contests where they won on several occasions.
Ray was preceded in death by his seven siblings, Bennie A Holley; Eugene K. Holley; Bobby L. Holley; Franklin D. Holley; Rosa R. Holmes; Doris M. Wehunt and Martha A. Weaver.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie M. Holley; numerous nieces and nephews along with numerous great and great- great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 21, 2018 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel, Austell. Interment will be held at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home.
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