Colonel (Ret.) Gerald F. Holman

Colonel (Ret.) Gerald F. Holman passed away on June 16, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on November 28, 1938, in Muskegon, Michigan, Gerald Frederick Holman lived a life defined by service, leadership, learning, and devotion to family. After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps in 1960, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than 28 years.

Gerald's Army service took him around the world and through some of the most consequential years in modern military history. Early assignments included command of the 144th Signal Company and service with the 4th Armored Division in Germany. He served two tours in Vietnam, first as S-4 of the 125th Signal Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in 1968. During his second tour, from 1971 to 1972, he served with the 1st Signal Brigade, first as S-4 of the 12th Signal Group and later as commander of both the 64th Signal Battalion in Phu Bai and the 37th Signal Battalion in Da Nang. He took command of both battalions while still holding the rank of Major, a reflection of the confidence his superiors placed in his leadership and abilities.

Throughout his career, Gerald held numerous command and staff positions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He served with United States Army Europe in Heidelberg, Germany; on the Department of the Army Staff in Washington, D.C.; as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and on the staff of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. His final command assignment was as commander of the 304th Signal Battalion in the Republic of Korea. He retired from active duty in 1988, having earned the respect of countless soldiers, colleagues, and friends.

As a lifelong learner, in addition to his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, Gerald earned a master's degree in Business Administration from Babson College and a master's degree in Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He also completed advanced military studies at the Armed Forces Staff College, the Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

His service was recognized through numerous military honors and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Following retirement from the Army, Gerald continued working as a defense contractor until 1994. Even after leaving professional life behind, he remained committed to serving others. For many years he volunteered at the Memorial Chapel and the Tax Assistance Center at Fort Lee, helping military families, retirees, and members of the local community. He later established his own tax preparation service, where he continued to put his knowledge and generosity to use.

While Gerald was proud of his military accomplishments, those who knew him as Jerry, best understood that his greatest source of pride was his family. With each move to a new state or country, Jerry enjoyed exploring the region and hosting visits with extended family and friends. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending his yard, paddling a canoe, camping, fishing, and playing golf. Some of his fondest memories were made on canoe trips through the wilderness of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, where he explored remote lakes and waterways with his son and, at times, on solo adventures. In later years, he was a familiar face at the Cardinal Golf Club at Fort Lee, where he enjoyed both the game and the camaraderie of fellow golfers, and where he loved to bring his children and grandchildren for a round any time they were eager. He spent many years after his retirement happily teaching the game to his family, friends, and all who were interested.

Gerald was deeply devoted to his family, and strove to create a warm and loving environment for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of his family's fondest memories over the decades were made at homes he kept in Prince George and Chester, Virginia. He cultivated wonderful natural environments, through his gardens, forest trails, and lawns which allowed generations of his family to gather and play. He hosted joyful family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, and more. He devoted himself to ensuring a sense of togetherness among those he loved, and always reminded those around him just how meaningful they were in his life.

Gerald will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady leadership, keen intellect, and unwavering sense of duty. Whether serving his country, helping a neighbor with taxes, or spending time with those he loved, he approached life with humility, integrity, and determination.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Honor Carl Holman and Marion Louise (Cardd) Holman; his sister, Judith Holman; and his brothers, James, Kent, and Keith Holman.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Raynell (Van Haver) Holman; his brother, Carl Holman; and his sister, Catherine Wolf. He also leaves behind his children: Jodi L. DeVillier (James) of Roxboro, North Carolina; Stacey A. Partin (Robert) of Dinwiddie Virginia; Carrie R. Sizemore (widow of David) of Chester, Virginia; and David A. Holman (Denise) of Lynchburg, Virginia.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Phillip DeVillier (Katherine), Paul DeVillier (Alia), Stephanie DeVillier Mura (Eric), Ashley Partin Peterson (Michael), Caitlin Partin, Zachary Sizemore, Bryce Sizemore (McKenzie), and Jason Holman (Sophia); and by his five great-grandchildren, Ellie and Owen DeVillier, William and Holden Peterson, and Stetson Sizemore.

Family visitation will be at 10:00am on Monday, June 29, 2026 at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home in Chester, Virginia. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am in the J.T. Morriss Chapel. Interment at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia in Amelia, Virginia. The procession will begin at the cemetery at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity of one's choice.