Jackie (Jack) Ray Holloman

July 19, 1952 – February 28, 2025

Jackie (Jack) Ray Holloman, 72, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 28, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His strength and resilience throughout his fight were truly remarkable.

Born on July 19, 1952, to James and Cynthia Holloman in Sylvester, GA, Jack was the youngest of 15 siblings. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1970 and soon enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force in 1994, Jack continued his dedication to public service by joining the St. Petersburg Police Department as a 911 Operator. He held this role for 17 years before retiring in 2015. In his retirement, Jack found joy in building model planes and working on puzzles—simple hobbies that brought him peace and contentment.

Jack met his beloved wife, Connie, in 1970 while both worked at Aunt Hattie’s Restaurant in St. Petersburg. Connie, a part-time salad girl, and Jack, a full-time cook, quickly formed a bond that led to their marriage on August 12, 1972. Together, they were blessed with five children: Antonio, Shawn, Gerlanda, Jackie Ray (JR), and James. Family was always a priority for Jack, and he was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to maintain a balance between his career and home life. His love for his family was exemplified in his tradition of hosting Annual Super Bowl Parties, where everyone—whether a football fan or not—was expected to join in the celebration.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Connie Holloman; his children, Antonio Holloman (Sherry), Shawn Holloman (Kasey), Gerlanda Holloman (Jessica), Jackie Ray Holloman Jr. (Iesha), and James Holloman (Crystal); his siblings, Ruthie Estella Scott, Bertha Holloman, Barbara Meningall, and Edna D. Parker; 19 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; father-in-law, Quincey Hill; sisters-in-law; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is reunited in rest with his parents, James and Cynthia Holloman, and his siblings: Dora Anderson, Rueben Holloman, Inez Jackson, Jesse Dee Holloman, BJ Holloman, Nettie Mae Holloman, Arthur James Holloman, Charlie Lee Holloman, Otis Holloman, and Harris Lee Holloman.

The family invites friends and loved ones to a memorial service celebrating Jack’s life on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Visitation and the service will be held at Veteran’s Funeral Care, located at 830 N. Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765. A graveside service with Military Honors, including the flag-folding presentation, the playing of TAPS, and a 21-gun salute, will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Psalm 23 from the Bible, in the King James Version (KJV):

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.