John W. Holland

John W. Holland, age 88 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024. John was born on December 31, 1935, and was preceded in death in May by Pat, his wife of 64 years. He is survived by children Tim (Elizabeth) and Linc (Paula); grandsons Nathan (Karli), Alexander, Kyle (Hannah), and Boone; and great-grandson Wade. John was proud to have grown up in Lonsdale (Paradise) and graduated from Rule High School in 1954. After serving in the Army, he enrolled in Carson Newman College to begin preparation for the ministry. He graduated in 1962 and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. John received his Master of Divinity degree in 1965. He and his family returned to Knoxville where he became pastor of Washington Avenue Baptist Church. On July 14, 1968, Salem Baptist Church called John to be their pastor and he began his ministry there on August 11, 1968. He faithfully served Salem and the Halls Crossroads community for 34 years, retiring on January 13, 2002. John devoted his life to the ministry and led by example as a husband, father, leader and servant. After retirement, he was recognized as Pastor Emeritus of Salem Baptist Church in December of 2002. While pastor at Salem, John held several leadership positions with the Knox County Association of Baptists and the Tennessee Baptist Convention, where he served as Vice President and a member of the Executive Board. John and Pat were honored by a new pavilion at Salem Baptist Church dedicated to them on September 25, 2022. John’s influence and ministry will still continue as Salem Baptist Church grows and serves the Halls Crossroads community.  The family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2024, at Salem Baptist Church 8201 Hill Road, Knoxville, TN 37938 followed by a 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service, Pastor Allen James and Pastor Toby Everett officiating.   Family and friends will meet 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Lynnhurst Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service, Dr. James Robertson officiating.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to ACTS 4 at Salem Baptist Church, 8201 Hill Road, Knoxville, TN 37938.  Condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.