Joseph Burnett “Joe” Holland Sr., 84, died on Saturday, September 18, 2010, surrounded by his family at his home in Charleston after a long illness. He had surrendered his life to Christ and went peacefully to be with the Lord.

He was born September 25, 1925, to the late Burnett and Keren Holland in Birmingham, Ky., but for most of his life called Charleston home.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 64 years, Betty Priestley Holland; daughter, Teresa Holland Bachman and her husband Steve; son, Joey Holland and his wife Bobbi. Affectionately known as Big Joe, he had eight wonderful grandchildren, Brett Holland, Jeramie Holland, Brianna Holland Endres, (Joey), Shanna Holland; Ryan Bachman, (Sara), Kari Bachman Akin, (Paul), Blair Bachman Norton, (Andrew), and Tannis Bachman. He also had two great-grandchildren; Micah and Jordan Akin. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Holland Frazier (Ben); as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Holland Chester; and brother, Charlie Solomon Holland.

Joe graduated from Benton High School in Benton, Ky., in 1943. He played basketball and was team captain on the runner up state tournament team. After high school, Joe served in the United States Navy V-12 program for 27 months during World War II.

Always a competitor, Joe was a strong supporter of the University of Kentucky "Wildcats," where he played on the basketball team and graduated in 1948, after earning his BS degree in Business. In 1947, Joe was 1st team all SEC, and was a member of UK's first national championship team. In 1948 he was an alternate on the US Olympic Basketball Team, where he traveled to the Olympics in London, England. Joe was drafted in 1948 by Baltimore, and became an owner/player for the Indianapolis Olympians in what is now known as the NBA. Early in his adult life, Joe's love of golf became his passion and continued throughout his life. He competed in the Duke Children's Classic for over 20 years as a supporter for Duke Children's Hospital.

A successful businessman, Joe will be remembered for his love of people and for his fairness and integrity in business. He was owner and the original dealer principal of Joe Holland Chevrolet of South Charleston, retiring after 50 years of service to the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas. He was a prominent businessman serving as a past president, and other offices, of the WV Automobile and Truck Dealers Association and serving on three National Chevrolet Dealer Councils. He was a founder and past president of the South Charleston Rotary Club and a board member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving on many other community boards. Joe served on the University of Kentucky Alumni Board and Member Development Council.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Holland's primary caregivers, Patty Clendenin, Debbie Walls, and Angie Pritt. They also want to thank Dr. Heather Tarantino for the care and special attention she gave to Mr. Holland.

Mr. Holland was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Duke Children's Hospital or the Charleston Union Mission.