Charles Edward Holland

Charles Edward Holland passed away February 24, 2024 at the age of 93.   

He was born April 2, 1930 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Richard A. and Lerlene Ragin Holland.  

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Agnes in 1979.  He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his four children, Valerie Holland-Green (Adrian Green), Anthony Paul Holland, Cecilia Marie Holland and Patrick Jude Holland (Karla Renee Holland), his grandchildren, Adrianna Katie Green, Levi Holland and Layven Holland. He was also preceded in death by his brother Billy Burgess. Charles is also survived by his cousins Euralia “Ray” Craig and Joe Morris Brown and a host of cousins and friends.

Charles had a number of nicknames including “Pete" and “Bub” He was known to his grandchildren as “Pawpaw."  

He proudly and bravely served his country during the Korean Conflict and was presented the Purple Heart military decoration as a result of enemy action while on duty serving in the United States Military. He was also awarded the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star; the United Nations Service Medal; the Combat Infantry Badge as well as the Purple Heart.

After returning home from his military duty, he worked part-time for the American Red Cross Veteran’s Services for 17 years and retired in 1985.   He also enjoyed a very successful 30-year career as a Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office. He retired in 1990.  

After his retirement, Charles enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, TV dramas like “Law and Order”, movies and especially loved watching westerns.  But above all else in life, his greatest source of joy was his family and his grand-dog, “Bear” and his grand-cat "Dusty Moon".

As his family and friends mourn the loss of Charles, they are left a legacy of much love along with a powerful message on how he truly lived his life. His family says that he often quoted the words of the American poet Douglas Malloch – “If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail; if you can’t be the sun, be a star.  It isn’t by size that you win or fail – be the best of whatever you are.”  Charles was truly the best – the best husband, the best father, the best grandfather, the best son, the best brother and the best friend.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. until the time of the Memorial Service beginning at 5:00 PM.  The officiating clergy will be Charles' first cousin, The Reverend Dr. Charmaine Ragin-Merrick, Presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Church in South Carolina.

Charles will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Charles Edward Holland are invited to consider a contribution to Wounded Warrior Project.  Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.