November 16, 1936 – October 12, 2026
William Harris Holly, 89, of Bainbridge, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with The Very Rev. Leslie Dellenbarger officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 516 E. Broughton Street, Bainbridge, GA 39817 or Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 808 Zorn Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817.
William Harris Holly was born November 16, 1936, in Jacksonville, FL, the son of Forrest & Mae Harris Holly. After high school, Harris earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo. He spent more than 30 years in Greenville, AL, where he owned and operated Georgiana Timber Co. as a timber buyer. Later, he and Mary Ellen moved to Bainbridge to be closer to their grandchildren, and became active members of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Harris enjoyed traveling to the beach, collecting Corvettes and firearms, listening to music, and painting abstract art. He even tried his hand at acting during college alongside Polly Holliday, who later became known for her role as Flo from Alice. Mary Ellen was good about spoiling Harris, but their grandchildren had a way of wrapping him around their fingers, too. He was proud of them and enjoyed being part of their lives. No doubt, they always knew how to bring a smile to his face.
Survivors include his children, Lisa & Mike Barber; his grandchildren, Holly & Kyle, Anna, and Nick & Sarah Ann; and his great-grandchildren, Grayson, Ellie, and Millie. In addition to his parents, Harris was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Ellen Holly, and his sister, Elaine.
The Holly Family extends their sincerest gratitude for the kindness, compassionate care, and support they received from Georgia Hospice staff, Vallaree, Carolyn, Artest, Cynthia, Bebe, Sandra, Chris, and Jan.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
