Johnny Gerald Holloway, Sr.

Johnny Gerald Holloway, Sr., 77, peacefully entered the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and two daughters. Born in 1947 in a sharecropper’s cabin tucked away in a peach orchard Traveler’s Rest, he lived a life rooted in hard work, quiet strength, with a deep love for family. His life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and the enduring strength. He believed in working hard and doing things the right way, the first time.

The son of Joseph Clyde Holloway and Nancy Louise Taylor Holloway, Johnny grew up learning the value of resilience and resourcefulness.

In 1981, he married the love of his life, Ruth Ellen Smith. Their marriage was a testament to enduring partnership, filled with warmth, shared laughter, and the kind of devotion that weathered every season. Together, they built a home rich in love, tradition, and stories worth telling.

Johnny was known for his quiet wisdom, strong hands, and his love for his wife. Whether he was cooking in a kitchen, driving a tractor trailer delivering loads, working with his hands building things, or offering a helping hand to others, he left a mark of kindness wherever he went.

In the later years of his Alzheimer’s journey, he became gentle and sweet. He loved his wife and made it known. His face lit up when he saw children. He went to the day center and was always up to something. Whether it was taking remotes, crayons, and chargers or leaving us little “surprises” to find, he never lost his ability to make us laugh. Alzheimer’s gave us some of the sweetest memories, for that, I am thankful.

He is survived by Ruth Ellen, his devoted wife of 44 years; children: Johnny Gerald Holloway, Jr., Michelle Medford, Angie Wilson , and Allen Holloway, chosen daughter Kaycee Dancey, grandchildren: Christina Gravely, Cassandra Sandburg, Ellie Smith (Justin), Kenny Moore (Savannah), Rebecca Mathis (Jerrod), Alaina Calvert, Tiffani Welborn (Caleb), Hunter Wilson (Elise), Jacub Medford (Victoria), Jorden Medford, and Kyleigh Medford, chosen grand-daughter Karter Monroe Dancey; 15 great grandchildren; brother - Randy Holloway (Debbie), sister - Kathy Carpenter and many nieces and nephews and other family. He leaves a legacy of hard work and dedication in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. He was welcomed into eternity by his parents, Joseph Clyde and Nancy Louise Holloway; his parents-in-law, Allen and Leona Smith; son, Skeeter Michael Medford; four brothers and two sisters.

Receiving of friends will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1-145 PM, and a memorial service will follow at 2 PM, at Lee Road Baptist Church, 1503 E Lee Rd, Taylors, SC 29687. 

His was a life well-lived—simple, strong, and true.