Colonel Jack M. Holland Jr.

Jack Martin Holland Jr., 89 passed away March 29, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s at his Tallahassee home. Jack was born in Macon, Georgia January 6, 1925, but lived most of his life in Florida. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Neva C. Holland, Tallahassee; son Jack Martin Holland III, Tallahassee; Daughters Jeri Lynn Francouer (husband Paul), Ormond Beach; Joan Ellen Nyland (husband Michael), Gainesville; and granddaughter Lauren Ashley Francouer, Ormond Beach. Jack is preceded in death by his father Jack M. Holland and his mother Ruby Claire Holland. He was a graduate of the University of Florida, College of Journalism and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 where he served with Patton’s 3rd Army from the Battle of the Bulge to the end of WWII gaining a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant. He served as commander of the Gainesville Army Reception Station and later retired as a full Colonel after 41 years’ service. He was the founder, publisher and editor of the Chiefland Citizen Newspaper and Levy County Publishing Company. He also owned and published 2 other newspapers. Jack served as Mayor and city councilman for the City of Chiefland, Florida. He retired from the Florida House of Representatives in 1991 where Jack served as Staff Director on numerous committees. After his retirement he continued serving veterans and seniors, lobbying State and Federal legislative bodies on behalf of AARP and the Ft. Benning Retiree Council. He was an active member and officer in numerous military, veteran and civic organizations. He was a member of Chaires United Methodist Church where he served 10 years as Treasurer. Jack enjoyed gardening, painting, and writing numerous books, hundreds of articles and speeches. During his lifetime he received numerous medals and awards for his outstanding service in publishing, public service and military achievements. The memorial service will be at 3:00pm, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Chaires United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The committal service will be held the following day at Bronwood City Cemetery in Bronwood, GA. In lieu of flowers the family donations may be made to Chaires United Methodist Church, Tallahassee and The Alzheimer’s Project, Tallahassee.

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Colonel Jack M. Holland Jr.

January 6, 1925 - March 29, 2014