R. Wendell Holland Jr.

R. Wendell Holland Jr. passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on March 25, 2023.

He was born in Raleigh on June 14, 1938, the fifth child of Rae and Alberta Holland, who predeceased him, along with his brother, Harry L. Holland (Margaret); and sisters, Jean Carolyn H. King (Ed) and Bonnie H. Atkins. He is survived by his sister, Nancy H. Strother (John LaVerne) of Knightdale, along with many of his cousins, nieces and nephews.

Immediately surviving are his beloved and faithful wife of 59 years, Velvie Ellis Holland; daughter, Wendy H. Burroughs (Rusty) of Matthews; son, Christopher E. Holland (Laura) of Asheboro; grandson, Adam C. Holland, Mooresville; granddaughters, Ashley J. Holland, Phoenix, AZ; and Cameron L. Burroughs, Greer, SC. 

He was a devoted husband, father and Papa. He loved his grandchildren and cherished the time spent with them. He was proud and supportive of their accomplishments and their growth as adults. 

Wendell graduated in 1956 from Cary High School, Cary; attended Mars Hill College; graduated in 1962 from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton University), in Wilson, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. 

Wendell served in the N.C. Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1965.

Holland began his career with the NC Banking Department as a bank examiner. From there, he transitioned to mortgage banking with Cameron Brown Company in Raleigh, and other banking institutes in Charleston, SC; Knoxville, TN; Columbia, SC; and Asheboro.

Upon moving to Asheboro, he made a fulfilling career change to the City of Asheboro Planning and Zoning Department, retiring in 2011 after 23 years of service.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Asheboro, having made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ, Sept. 12, 1948, at Ephesus Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC. He served on numerous church committees and was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, member of the Senior Adult choir, and traveled on mission trips to Kentucky, New York, Florida, Brazil, Wales and Alaska. Mr. Holland enjoyed serving with the NC Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief and the Handyman Mission Group.

Upon reaching his early 60s, he began a very exciting life of running and cycling. He participated in Cycle North Carolina in 2012 and rode from Brevard to Carolina Beach over a 7-day period. Holland was an active participant in Randolph County, State of NC and US National Senior Games in running and cycling. He won a Bronze Medal in 2005 at the Pittsburgh National Senior Games in the 800 meters.

Wendell was known as a kind, joyful man who was warm and welcoming to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his charm, wit and generosity. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 30, from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 133 N. Church St., Asheboro. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. John Rogers and Pastor Mark Hall officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery, Asheboro. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Wendell’s honor to:

— First Baptist Church: Mission Asheboro Fund, 133 N. Church St., Asheboro, NC 27203.

— Hospice of Randolph County 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC  27203.

— Care Connection 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC  27262.