Hubert Donald (Don) Holman, 87, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Woodward Holman. He was predeceased by daughter, Elizabeth Lynn Vainrib (Byron surviving) and is survived by sons Bill Holman of Atlanta, GA; Tom (Cindy) Holman of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by four loving grandchildren: Elizabeth Holman Schroder (Patrick) and Anna Holman of Atlanta, and Camille Holly Vainrib and Frances Evalyn Vainrib of Cincinnati, Ohio. Don is also survived by his sister, Alice Holman Ahrens (George) of Asheville, NC. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Thomison Holman and Mildred Sawyers Holman.
Don was born in Fayetteville on November 18, 1935. With the exception of time away from college, law school and military service, he was a proud lifelong resident of Lincoln County. He was a graduate of Central High School (1953); Vanderbilt University (B.A. 1957); and Vanderbilt Law School (J.D. 1960). Don then served in the U.S. Army as a military attorney through the U.S. Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). He was stationed initially at the Pentagon in Washinton, D.C., and later at Fort Holabird in Baltimore. Don met his wife Betty, while stationed in Washington D.C. The two married in 1962. At the end of his military service, they returned to Fayetteville to start a family, which they raised in the home where he still lived upon his passing.
Upon return to Lincoln County, Don joined his father practicing law from the “Holman & Holman” law offices on the Fayetteville square for over 40 years. He was appointed General Sessions Judge in 1977, which position later was expanded to include serving as juvenile court judge. Through several elections, he continued to serve as General Sessions Judge until he retired as judge in 1998. In performing the often-difficult duties of a judge, he was always grateful for the support and professionalism of Courthouse staff, law enforcement, local lawyers and many others.
Don was a lifelong, active member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he served as an elder and deacon. He was a member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club for more than 50 years, serving as president. He was also an elected Fayetteville Alderman and served on numerous other community boards.
More than anything, Don loved spending time with family and friends. This included annual family beach trips, trips to different regions of the country, and a celebratory trip to Italy, all of which helped develop lasting family bonds and shared loves of travel that continue with the surviving family. His many friends enriched his life daily – ranging from coffee at Carter’s Drug Store and weekend get-togethers, to outdoor passions including golf, dove hunts, fishing and sporting events throughout the south.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., Saturday, immediately preceding the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or local nonprofit.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Hubert Donald (Don) Holman.
Dear Betty and family; All of my memories of Don are good ones and I enjoyed visiting with him in his office occasionally. I was fond of Don and enjoyed his dry wit and his laughter. My heart goes out to all of you during this time of grieving.
Sincerely, Jim
Judge Holman was a great man who did so much for our community. I’ll remember him fondly. Sending love and comfort to the entire Holman family.
Mr.Holman will be greatly missed.Mrs.Betty and family you all will be in my prayers and you all have my deepest condolences from Me and my family 😢💔🙏🏽 Ms.Betty I will continue to be there for you as long as you need.I really enjoyed taking care of Mr.Holman and he will be greatly missed.
My condolences to the Holman family. God bless you all. From Thelma Hadley and family
Mrs. Betty, Judge Holman was so special to me. He was always so kind as I sat next to him for many years in General Sessions Court. We had a great working relationship. He will always be remembered by me and my family. Our prayers will be with you and your family. Love, Barbara and C.N. Bates
Don was a sweetheart of a guy! He was always ready to help anyone. Bob certainly enjoyed their golf games and thecomradery ! Betty you have my sincere synpathy as we go through this trying time together! Love to you and the family, Janet
My most sincere condolences to Betty and the rest of the Holman Family. I first met Don more than 46 years ago when I had just moved from Memphis as a 26 year old Assistant District Attorney. His was the first court room I had ever seen as an attorney. Even though I was very young, he treated me with the same respect as those much older and wiser than than I. He may not have believed I knew what I was talking about, but he acted like he did and that was enough for me.
I could never repay his kindness and mentorship. He was a consummate gentleman. I not only respected him but I truly loved him. It truly grieves me that I will not be able to be with Don’s family on Saturday as I will be out of state at a family reunion that has been planned for months. However, since it involves family and travel, I know Judge Holman would understand. God bless Don and the family…Barry & Cherry
Judge Holman was an enormous inspiration and source of encouragement to me as I began my law practice in the late 80s in Fayetteville and throughout the following years during which he continued to serve as the General Sessions Judge. I appeared in his Court regularly and consider him to have been a mentor. Respect for a life well lived.
Mr. Holman was a beloved person in Lincoln County. My Mother thought the world of him. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with each of the family.
I grew up around his whole family. No better people in the world..so sorry for your loss.. hugs and prayers for Mrs.Betty, Tom and Bill..
Mrs. Betty and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Holman’s passing. Please know that you and your sweet family is in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will hold all of you close during these difficult days and the days to come. Mr. Holman will be missed by many!!!
Don and I were fellow Vanderbilt Alumni and he would regale me with stories of his days at the University. He was a great neighbor. He, Tom Riggins, and my husband John would take turns mowing the circle of our cul-de-sac. He never hesitated to greet us warmly, whether out in the yard, at church or out about town, and always asked about our kids and what they were up to. He was an icon of Lincoln County and will be greatly missed.
Sorry for the loss of Mr. Don. I worked with him in the legal field for several years. He was always a very cordial. Prayers for the family during this time.
Betty, we send our sympathy to you and the family. Don certainly lived an exemplary and honorable life. You will be in our prayers.