Dorris Eugene Holman

A Life of Service A Life of Service

Dorris Eugene Holman, December 26, 1938 – February 28, 2020, was born and raised in Nashville, TN. His parents, Elnora Perkins Holman and John Moses Holman raised him in the Church of Christ where he was baptized at age 9. His devotion to God’s word was manifested through teaching and counseling individuals as well as leading Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes. Song leader training and congregational song practice were additional areas of service. His leadership included serving as the Education and Missions committee chair, as well as upkeep of his beloved church, 15th Ave Church of Christ. It was here where he began his last project, before his accident, which included supervising and completing work being done on the church building.

One of his joys was volunteering with his wife, Margaret, and brother, David, for Church of Christ Disaster Relief efforts,which reach across the nation, assisting families affected by natural disasters.

Eugene was educated in the Metro Nashville Public School District where he graduated from Pearl High School. Before graduating from Pearl High, in 1958, he was focused on serving his country and had joined the Army Reserves (1956-58). Upon graduation, he enlisted in the fall of 1958 where he proudly began a tour serving in Europe. During his military duty, he qualified to perform with the 76th Army Band, which propelled him to achieve commendation and acceptance into more prestigious opportunities to showcase his musical talent. Performing for both military and civilian audiences, it was the former where he had the fortune of playing for United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, French President Charles de Gaulle and countless other dignitaries. Upon achieving an honorable discharge, he set about the work of raising and providing for his beautiful family while maintaining a love of music. Later in life, it was this love of music that propelled him to become the founder of the Metropolitan Wind Ensemble, which was comprised of former Pearl High band members taught by Prof. Marcus Gunter.

He continued to serve, working at the U.S. Veterans Administration office for 31 years. He was proud to assist veterans entering civilian life, to ensure their benefits, healthcare and services were fully maximized. An area he was honored to add was his role as an EEO Counselor,ensuring equitable benefits for veterans of color and those with disabilities. Eugene was humbled to add both Career Service (1988) and Special Contribution (1990) awards to his professional tenure.

Eugene was known by his family as Dorris, Dorumsgene, Tab, Pops or Honey. He married Katherine and born from that union were his four wonderful children, Gary, Cynthia, Jerry and Kevin. Their family experienced tragedy when Gary died in a motorcycle accident in 1990. His children are mutually devoted fans of his favorite team, The Tennessee Titans, and enjoyed watching games together. He was also an avid huntsman, teaching his sons at a very young age about this passion, as well. In 1998, Eugene married MargaretCampbelle, the love of his life.

During retirement, he enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren and attending church.
Eugene is preceded in death by parents: Elnora and John Holman; siblings: J. L. Holman, Austin Holman, Carl Holman, Barbara Jean Coleman, David Holman; and son – Gary Holman.

Left to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Margaret Campbelle-Holman; loving children: Cynthia (Jerry) Johnson, Jerry Holman, Kevin Holman and stepchildren: David Holiday, Perri (Anthony) Owens; daughter-in-law, Natalie Holman; siblings: Frances Dunn, John Elliott, Raymond (Yona) Holman, Marjorie (William) Ireland, Carolyn Bradley, Shirley (Lloyd) Gray; grandchildren: James Berry, III, Donnell Holman, Jamal Berry, Corey Berry, Caden Holman, and a host of nieces and nephews.
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In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are appreciated: Choral Arts Link (choralartslink.org), Alive Hospice (alivehospice.org) and Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort (disasterreliefeffort.org). Cards and condolences may be sent to Lewis & Wright Funeral Home.