David Holland

David Edwards Holland, born September 10, 1940, passed away on February 20, 2025, at the age of 84.

David was the cherished son of Chester "Gunny" Holland and Helen Edwards Holland, both of Fuquay. He was preceded in death by his sisters Nancy Holland Pore and Becky Holland Medlin. He is survived by his sister Charlotte Holland Mangum.

On October 27, 1963, David married Hazel Mae Sauls of Garner. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage before Hazel's passing in 2009. Their union brought forth four beloved children: David Holland Jr. (wife Gwen), Helen Holland, Sarah Holland Holder (husband Graham), and James Holland (wife Gina). David's love extended to his grandchildren: Joshua Lee (step), Megan Holland Ross (husband Jason Ross), William Holland (fiancée Raven Webb), Kelsey Tobias (step) (partner LT de Leon), Caroline Holland, Lily Holder and Henry Holder. His great-grandchildren, Jayla Ross, Jaxon Ross, and Jazie Ross, were a bright light in his later years.

A lifelong farmer, David worked the land he loved, growing tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat, and sweet potatoes. He also raised a variety of animals, including pigs, cows, sheep, rabbits, and chickens. For many years, David operated Holland Farms Produce at the corner of Holland and Purfoy Roads, offering fresh, locally grown goods to the community.

David was a devoted member of Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church, where he served many years on the properties committee. He was ready and waiting to greet church goers every Sunday morning for many, many years.

His commitment to his community extended to his work with the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department. David served on the Rural Fire Department Board of Directors for many years, including during the merger with the Town of Fuquay-Varina in 1999. As a key negotiator in the nearly two-year process, he worked to ensure both paid and volunteer staff were well represented. Following the merger, he served as a board member of the newly formed Fuquay-Varina Volunteer Fireman's Organization, until 2015, with most of those years as president. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the community and fire service.

David's legacy of hard work, dedication to family, and service to his community will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves behind a deep and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Fuquay-Varina area.

A service to honor David's life will be held at Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department or to Fuquay Varina Baptist Church.

His family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am in the church.

David will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to inspire those who loved him.