Lynn Holaday

Lynn Holaday celebrated his 90th birthday on December 6, 2024, and he passed away
peacefully on May 27, 2025. He was born in Muncie, IN to Margaret Porter and Wilbur Holaday.
He was preceded in death by Gwenda Hayes Holaday, the love of his life and wife of 63 years.
He is survived by his daughter Sarah Dills; his son Nathan Holaday (wife Cheryl Davis). Three
Grandchildren Tara Rueckert (husband Justin Rueckert), Ethan Holaday (wife Sixtine Holaday),
and Grayson Holaday. Three great grandchildren Warren Rueckert, Berenger Holaday and Elise
Holaday. He is also survived by his brother Richard Holaday, his stepsister Jennifer Denney,
and his sister-in-laws Shelby Reeves and Earlene Holaday, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his sisters Joanne Griffith, Carolyn Lye and brothers Wilbur
(Bill) Holaday, Jr and Harry (Bud) Holaday.
Lynn and his siblings were raised by their mother in New Castle, IN. After graduating from New
Castle High School, he served 2 years in the US Army; he was stationed in South Korea,
serving in the Finance Corps. After his service he moved to Wilkes County, NC. He began
working at the Bank of North Wilkesboro, where he met Gwenda. Following a brief banking
position in Charlotte, NC, he was recruited to Northwestern Bank in Boone, NC.
After the births of his children, he began a long career at Appalachian State University. He held
several positions, retiring as Associate Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs. During his time at
ASU, he was very active in the State of North Carolina Employees’ Association. He took great
pride in his work on the Investment Committee for the Association’s Retirement Fund.
Lynn was very active in Deerfield United Methodist Church. He served on many boards. He
taught Sunday school. He was a delegate to the state convention. Perhaps the most rewarding,
he was a lay preacher in some of the smaller churches in Watauga and surrounding counties.
He amassed a library of Christian writings which he used to deepen his understanding of God
and assist him in his teaching and lay preaching.
Throughout his life, he demonstrated a great devotion to his family, his church and his work. He
was a loving, caring husband and father. His children and grandchildren knew unconditional
support and love. In the outside world, he was known for his integrity and his genuine love of
people.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Deerfield United
Methodist Church in Boone, NC; a Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 pm.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Arbor Grove
Methodist Church in Purlear, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Deerfield United Methodist Church in Boone, NC.
Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home of North Wilkesboro, NC is handling the arrangements. Online
condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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