William Holliday
In Memory of
William Lee "Bill"
Holliday
1939 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>

Obituary for William Lee "Bill" Holliday

William Lee "Bill"  Holliday
William Lee "Bill" Holliday journeyed to heaven peacefully with his family by his side on July 11, 2018. Bill was born on April 16, 1939 in Richmond, Virginia to William Conley Holliday and Rosa Brown Holliday, but was raised with his father from age 5 by the only mother he remembered, Betty Jean Holliday. Bill grew up in Hampton Roads and graduated from Granby High School in the "lost class" of '59. He was retired from Jett & Company after 34 years as a sales representative. Bill was a member of Somme Avenue Christian Church in Norfolk.

Bill loved to play golf. He especially enjoyed early tee times with his mom, dad, and brothers, Jimmy, Paul, and Eugene. Bill played the rhythm guitar with local band The Commodores in the mid 60’s and loved to listen to music and dance. Growing up, Bill and his mom won many Mother & Son dance contests. He also coached his daughter Shelia's softball and basketball teams and served as President of Arrowhead Recreation Department for many years. After retiring, Dad enjoyed volunteering at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Center with mom.

Bill began his journey in Freemasonry in 1973 at Norview Lodge No. 113 A.F. & A.M. His love of his Masonic relationships led to his service in many bodies after serving as Worshipful Master in 1983. His memberships included Corinthian Lodge No. 266, Mackey Lodge No. 69, Norfolk Lodge No. 1, Ruth Lodge No. 89, Victory Daylight Lodge No. 1778, Warwick Lodge No. 336, Willis V. Fentress Lodge No. 296, Red Cross of Constantine, Khedive Shrine, Hiram Club, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Knights Templar, Chesapeake Shrine Club, National Sojourners of Hampton Roads, Norfolk United Royal Arch Chapter Number 1, Grice Commandery Number 16, Scottish Rite Research Society and Scottish Rite, in which he served as Personal Representative for the Norfolk Valley and the Orient Representative. His Scottish Rite honors included Investiture as KCCH in 1985 and the 33rd Degree in 1989. He was named an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay and received the George Washington Distinguished Service Award in 2005 from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. After serving as District Deputy Grand Master in 1992, Bill's dedication and hard work with his brother Masons was recognized by his election as Grand Master of Masons for the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2000. Among the many highlights of his term was his presentation to actor Ernest Borgnine with his 50 year Masonic Veteran’s Award at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia. Bill later served as Grand Treasurer from 2005 through 2011, retiring from his office due to the progression of his Parkinson's disease.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 57 years, Evelyn; daughters, Angela Holliday Murphy (Mike Casto), Shelia Holliday Cando (David); grandchildren, Leslie Brown (Ryan), Christina VanLear (Lee), Hayley Cando and Liam Cando. Bill is also survived by his brothers, James Holliday (Christina), Paul Holliday, Eugene Holliday (Gerri); sisters-in-law, Ann Wilson Fagan (Howard), Georgia Matney; and brothers-in-law, Eddie Matney, William Blakely (Debbie); his uncle, Lee Brown; and a host of nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Rita Joyce Holliday.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Norfolk Masonic Temple, 7001 Granby Street, Norfolk. The Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Following the service there will be a visitation and reception.

Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We would like to thank the entire staff of the Masonic Home for their love and care for Daddy since he and mom moved to the Masonic Home. We would also like to thank Heartland Hospice for their love and care for daddy over the past five months.
We respectfully request, due to allergies, no flowers and instead ask that you make a memorial donation in Bill's name to the Masonic Home of Virginia, P.O. Box 7866, Henrico, Virginia 23231.