Jasper Lamar Holley

Jasper Lamar Holley, lovingly known as “Tootie” by family and friends, entered into his Heavenly home Wednesday morning, September 18, 2024, at Piedmont Augusta Hospital. A visitation will be held on September 22, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service from 3:00 PM with Rev. Shane Busby and Rev. Paul Moore officiating. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery among those he loved, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the church he dedicated his life to serve.

Born on October 16, 1935, Lamar was one of eleven born to the late Mary Elizabeth Johnson Holley and the late Jasper Lee Holley. A proud native of Jefferson County, he was a 1956 graduate of Wrens High School. He furthered his education, by attending a trade school in Newport News, Virginia, where he received on-the-job training as a steam pipefitter, graduating in 1960.

Lamar's professional journey began with a dedication to service and hard work. He worked as a steam pipefitter until 1963 when he and his beloved wife made the pivotal decision to take over the family farm in Stapleton. There, Lamar excelled at farming and caring for livestock until 1991. His commitment to growth and community led him to the U.S. Postal Service in the late 1960s, where he started as a substitute and part-time rural-route mail carrier. He eventually took on the role of mail sorter in the Augusta office before becoming the postmaster in Stapleton. Lamar retired from his commendable career with the Postal Service in 2002. His hard work and commitment provided well for his family, reflecting his dedication as a loving husband and father. 

A patriot, Lamar proudly served in the National Guard. His interests included fishing, watching football and baseball on television, and spending quiet moments operating his backhoe or tractor. 

Throughout his life, Lamar exemplified a warm and engaging personality, known for his love of cutting up and teasing those around him. He was a true people-person who thrived on meeting new individuals and connecting with them. Lamar’s spiritual journey began in his youth when he accepted God’s free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus Christ, at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, where he remained a lifelong member. He delighted in singing in the choir and was part of the Mt. Horeb trio, continually spreading his passion for Christian music, especially the old-time gospel hymns. He enjoyed attending sings throughout Georgia, including the cherished bi-annual trips to Blairsville. 

A devoted family man, Lamar loved his family deeply, and enjoyed the fellowship at the Holley family reunions and church gatherings. Those left to cherish his memories include his loving wife, Bonnie Perdue Holley; children, Mike Holley (Cathy), Donna Russell (Ronald), Jeff Holley (Vicki), and Pam Holley Francisco-Heslen; six grandchildren, Chase Smith, Zach Francisco (Erika), Jared Francisco, Drew Holley, Grace Holley, and RJ Heslen; eight great-grandchildren, Walker Russell, Cameron Beasley, Avery Beasley, Baylor Beasley, Cecilia Francisco, Vera Francisco, Holley Francisco, and Jaxon Cook; granddaughter-in-law, Brittany Russell; two siblings, Shirley Reese (Temus) and Tony Holley (Gail); along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and friends. Honored to be pallbearers are his grandsons—Chase Smith, Zach Francisco, Jared Francisco and RJ Heslen—and nephews, Greg Holley and Johnny James.

Lamar is also preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Russell; and eight siblings Sarah Gay, Clarence Holley, Annie "Sheetie" Anderson, David Holley, Gloria Jones, Jeanette Perdue, Robert Holley, and Sandra Norton.

The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 563, Wrens GA 30833.

Lamar will be remembered for his commitment to family, faith, his church and community. His spirit will live on through the love and memories shared by his family, church family, friends and all who were touched by his life.