Brooks Middleton Holloway

Brooks Middleton Holloway, 78, long-time resident of Williston, Fl, passed away on May 2, 2017 at North Florida Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Brooks was born March 25, 1939 in Milton, Fl. He was a very intelligent man who put his all into all facets of life. For many years he was an avid golfer, having made many good friends while enjoying the sport. He loved reading and always had a collection of books by his favorite authors close by. Brooks was an expert woodworker. He created several items of furniture for friends and also designed and constructed a gorgeous gazebo and pergola, along with an outdoor kitchen on the pool deck in his and Linda's backyard. Many happy hours were spent there through the years hosting pool parties and special occasions for friends. His most recent hobby was the purchase of their motorhome where he and Linda took many road trips, most usually not too far from home, as they preferred. Brooks and his family moved during his childhood to Tallahassee, Fl, where he was educated at Seley Elementary, Leon High School, and Chipola College, Marianna, Fl. Brooks served his country honorably in the U. S. Army, stationed on a nuclear base in Long Island, New York. A few years before his employment in city government, he became an entrepreneur, purchasing a chain of drug stores. In the mid-seventies he was hired as purchasing agent for the City of Chattahoochee. He remained there until a friend told him of a vacancy in Williston, Fl. He applied and was hired in 1996 as Superintendent of Utilities for the city. Within six months, he was promoted to City Manager, serving as Williston's first City Manager for eight and one-half years. He was also the airport manager and took great pride in having assisted in its growth over time. He officially retired as City Manager in 2004 and enjoyed home life for two years when he was approached by several citizens who asked him to consider running for a city council seat. He successfully ran and served two terms on the Williston City Council, his last term ending in 2014. Last, but certainly not least, Brooks was a man of God. Exhibiting strong faith in the face of adversity, he was able to encourage others along life's way with encouragement and support. Wherever he lived, he was always active in church. He served in many capacities over the years, such as, deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and youth counselor on Ridge Crest summer trips. One of his greatest contributions to the Lord and his church was his participation in choirs with his deep, rich bass voice. He loved singing the Lord's music and he and Linda were often asked to join singing groups where he sang bass, she sang alto and played piano. This brought much enjoyment to them. My wonderful Brooks and I shared an extraordinary love story for over twenty years and I am forever blessed to have been in his life. He was every wife's dream husband. I will rejoin him when God comes or calls for me. Brooks was preceded in death by his parents John B. and Ina Holloway, as well as two brothers, Judd and Paul. Brooks is survived by the love of his life, Linda York Holloway of Williston, Fl; two daughters, Melissa Register (Bert), of Greensboro, Fl; and Michelle Sparks Raymond (David), of Tallahassee, Fl; and one precious grandson, Sean Barrett Raymond of Tallahassee, Fl; a brother, John Holloway (McGlade), of Jacksonville, Fl; and sister, Lucy Cramner (George), of Havana, Fl. He is also survived by numerous other relatives, including Marcus Holloway and special cousins Mary Brown and Jerry Leonard. The service for Brooks will be held Friday, May 5, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., EST, at Williston First Baptist Church, 339 E. Noble Avenue, Williston, Fl. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., EST, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Chattahoochee, Fl. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to The Gideon’s International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251, in memory of Brooks M. Holloway. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City, Florida, 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, Florida, 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Brooks Middleton Holloway

March 25, 1939 - May 2, 2017