LOUISBURG - Dr. J.E. "Ed" Holland, Jr., 73, of Louisburg, NC passed away January 23, 2018 at Louisburg Healthcare and Rehab after a long period of declining health.

Dr. Holland was born in Willow Springs, NC, the son of the late James E. and Margaret Gardner Holland. He married Joan Wilson Holland of Fuquay-Varina in 1962. He attended Atlantic Christian College and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he earned a Doctor of Optometry degree.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Dr. Holland and his family settled in Louisburg, where he had a private practice for many years. His devotion to his profession was exceptional. He was a past Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Health and was a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the NC Services for the Blind. He was a past president of the North Carolina State Optometric Association and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He was also a member of the Southern Council of Optometrists, serving on the Committee for Continuing Education. He lectured extensively to fellow optometrists across the country. Dr. Holland helped train optometric students as an Adjunct Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, many of whom continue to speak highly of the wealth of knowledge he possessed. He was also on the staff of Franklin Regional Medical Center for many years.

Dr. Holland enjoyed the beach, boating, golf, and eating dessert (sometimes before his meal). He was a longtime member of Louisburg Baptist Church.

Dr. Holland is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan W. Holland; son Steven Holland and wife Candy of Mesquite, TX; son Dr. Chris Holland and wife Kathy of Fayetteville, NC; and son Jody Holland of Louisburg. He is also survived by his brother, Donnie Joe Holland and wife Kelly of Dunn, NC; grandchildren Dylan Holland and Wesley, Jory, and Lydia Bowers, and two great-grandchildren, Eathan and Colin Bowers.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Louisburg Healthcare and Rehab for their care.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Louisburg Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dr. Holland's life. The family will receive friends 6 - 7:30 p.m. Friday at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Louisburg Baptist Church, P.O. Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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