James Richard Holly, 75 of Lexington Park, MD, peacefully departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 26, 2020, in Leonardtown, MD. James, lovingly referred to as Richard, was born to the late Joseph Jackson Holly and Elizabeth Agnes Holly on May 16, 1944 in Leonardtown, MD.
Richard graduated from Banneker High School in 1962. He worked at Abell’s Wharf and Brubacher Farm during and after graduating high school. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963, where he served and was honorably discharged in 1970. He then began his career at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Patuxent River, MD and retired after 35 years of dedicated service. After retiring from the federal government, he was employed with Wally’s Excavating and St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks until 2015. Richard was a member of the Jolly Gents Sportsman Club for many years. Richard had many hobbies and interests, which included construction work, maintenance work, lawn care services, fishing, cooking/catering, and watching WESTERNS and game shows. He especially enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends.
Richard was a dedicated member of Our Lady’s Church in Medley’s Neck, MD where he served the Lord his entire life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 24 years, Rosalee E. Holly; daughter, Shannon Holly-Washington (Antwain); step-daughters, Renee Butler and Constance “Connie” Chase (Aaron); step-grandchildren, Brittany Gross, Deondre Lloyd (Linda), Brittany Chase, and Arionna Chase; and step-great grandson, Damarion L. Gross-Johnson. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Anna Moseley (Robert); brothers, Joseph Holly, Charles Holly, William Holly Sr. (Alice), John Holly (Cynthia); sisters-in-law Mary Ola Brooks, Delores Bailey (Norman), Annie Sims (Richard), Clara Collins, and Gloria Price; brothers-in-law James W. Taylor, John Taylor (Lois), James Thompson, and Gregory Thompson (Paulette) and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Charles “Jerry” Brooks and Thomas Holly; sister, Baby Girl Holly; sister-in-law, Mary “Pete” Holly; and brother-in-law, Alfred Price, Sr.
Family and friends will unite on Friday, February 7, 2020 for visitation at 11:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at Our Lady’s Church at Medley’s Neck, 41348 Medleys Neck Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment immediately following at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD-gate time at 2:30 p.m.
Our Beloved Richard: Words can’t describe how you impacted the Bailey family. We loved you with all of our hearts as it was easy to do, because you reciprocated those emotions so easily. For my parents (Norman & Delores Bailey) you were not only a brother-in-law, but you were a special friend to both. Living across the street from one another for many years, you were ALWAYS there for a good conversation or to lend a helping hand if needed. For my sister (Desiree Bailey) you were always there, helping her with many home-related projects. As for me Richard, YOU have done so many things. I could always depend on you to help me with repairing my rental home. Richard I only hope that during your life of living, I was able to show you how much I really appreciated you. Ivy (my girlfriend), she met you during this past year, and she loved you. Ivy immediately learned how special you were and she would always cook something or make that salad for you, which you really enjoyed. I am going to close with this, You are and will always be special, remembered and loved by us: Norman Bailey, Delores Bailey, Desiree Bailey, Troy Bailey and Ivy Le. Rest in peace as you have been a faithful servant to many. Thank you for everything, WE LOVE YOU and will MISS YOU – The Bailey’s.
Richard I will miss the hugs you gave whenever I saw you. Keeping your family in prayer.