Arvel James "A.J." Holland

Arvel James “A.J.” Holland, 91, of Bell City passed away August 31,2022 in Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home in Jennings surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Holland was born on December 8, 1930 in Hayes, LA and was a graduate of Bell City High School.  He resided in Bell City all of his life where he was affectionately named the “Mayor of Bell City”.  Following his education, he joined the US Army and proudly served in the Korean Conflict.  He began his career as a lineman and installer with South Central Bell in 1954 and retired in 1983. 

Mr. Holland was very involved in the community having been past president of the Board of the Bell City-Hayes-Holmwood Fire Board and also ran and maintained the Bell City Water Works.  He was a member of the Pioneer Telephone Club, was honorary member of Bell City High  School’s FFA Club, and was a 4^th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City. 

He loved his family with all of his heart and always put them first.  Everyone described him as the kindest, most giving, caring man they knew.  Mr. Holland would do anything asked of him to help his community or friends and never expected anything in return other than a visit.  Besides his family, he loved the Saints, a good rodeo, and watching westerns on tv.

He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Ricky Holland (Angie) of Hayes, Dwayne A. Holland (Dana) of Groom, TX, Paula Greathouse (Paul) of Lake Charles and Sherrie Koonce (Donnie) also of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren, Jessica Iguess (Scott), Kassie Kershaw (Sam), Nick Greathouse (Kayla), Evan Greathouse (Julie), Dalton Holland, Justin Cox (Baylee), Megan Hinkle (Cody), Jacob Holland (Julie) and nine great-grandchildren, Abel, Kash, Kennedy, Jenna, Bailey, Hunter, Ryder, Weston and Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Arthur Holland; his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Gertrude “Patsy” Nunez Holland; one son, Barry James Holland; grandson, Justin Koonce;  and brothers, Lee, Cliff, and Royce Holland.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thanks to the Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home for their respect, dedication and care in taking care of Mr. Holland.

Memorial donations may be made to Southwest Louisiana Veteran’s Home, 1610 Evangeline Rd., Jennings, LA 70546.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City on Friday, September 2, 2022.  Father John Payne will officiate.  Interment will follow in Derouen-Lorraine Cemetery in Hayes under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  A rosary will be recited in the church beginning at 8:30 AM followed by a visitation until the start of the service.