Robert Holladay

Robert "Bob" Francis Holladay, age 88, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob was born to Joseph Willard and Mary Frances (Foley) Holladay in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 13, 1936. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1955, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and track. He attended Iowa State University, before graduating from Parsons College. At Parsons, he was a member of the wrestling team and the fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. After college, Bob served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1966. Bob married Merrily Holladay on December 12, 1966 in Evanston, Illinois. They resided in Aurora, Illinois and had two children, later they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob worked in industrial sales throughout his career. Outside of work, he spent time with friends and family, often reminiscing about his high school sports days and growing up in Iowa. Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Merrily Budlong Holladay; children, Heidi Lynn Holladay and Erik Davol (Ben) Holladay-McCann; grandchild, Yvie Davol Holladay-McCann; siblings, Joan (Curt) Kuehl and Don Holladay; nieces Tina Quattlebaum, Pam Ryan, and Jennifer Arnold Goss; nephews Gary Witherell, John (Nancy) Arnold III, and Matthew (Linda) Arnold. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Bernice Witherell. A private gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Holladay home in Cascade, Michigan, to honor Bob’s life. May his joyful smile and the memory of his pride in his blood type, Friday the 13th birthdate, and stories of Iowa live on in the hearts of those who knew him. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Bob's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Holladay, please visit our flower store.