Remembering Edward Holland Jr.: A Life of Service and Family

Edward Holland Jr., a devoted family man and veteran, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 98. Born in Liberty Hill, Texas, in 1927 to Virgie Harris Holland and Edward Holland Sr., Holland lived a life marked by service and dedication to his family.

At the age of 16, in 1943, Holland joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on a floating dry dock in the South Pacific until the end of World War II in 1945. After returning to San Antonio, Texas, he completed his high school education. In 1947, he joined the U.S. Air Force, with his first assignment at the Pentagon, working in data processing.

While at the Pentagon, Holland met his first wife, Mary Anna Jane Hunter. The couple had three children: Jan Creed, Beth Ann Burdick, and Bruce Holland. Holland enjoyed a successful military career, retiring in 1964. Following his military service, he transitioned to a civilian career as a database administrator in California and later at Cornell University in New York.

Holland’s commitment to community service was evident through his involvement with the Los Angeles Harbor Lodge No. 332 and the Point Fermin Chapter 512 of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.). A dedicated Mason for over 50 years, he served as Worshipful Master in 1977 and was Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star Chapter nine times.

After the passing of his first wife, Mary, in 1982, Holland met his second wife, Laurel, at an Eastern Star meeting. The couple married in 1984, enjoying 41 years together in retirement. At the time of his death, Holland was surrounded by a five-generation family.

Holland is survived by his wife Laurel, daughters Jan Creed and Beth Ann Burdick, and son Bruce Holland. He also leaves behind grandchildren Charissa (husband Seth) Franklin, Kyle Holland, Joel Holland, Courtney Burdick, and Bryanna Burdick. His legacy continues with great-grandchildren Kaylee Holland, Kyler Holland, Conner Franklin, Ethan Kline, Oliver Austin, Anthony Holland (wife Alexis), and Seth Holland, as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Anthony Holland Junior and Addlyn Holland.

Services will be held at Green Hills Mortuary, located at 27501 S. Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, on October 23, 2025. Visitation will take place between 16:00 and 20:00, followed by a funeral service on October 24, 2025, at 11:30. Holland’s life exemplifies the values of service, commitment, and family, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.