Russell E. Holly

May 2, 1946 - March 24, 2023

Russell E. Holly age 76, of Lima passed away 1:23 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Russ was born May 2, 1946 in Auglaize County to the late Leslie E. A. and Wanda Vernonda (Shinaberry) Holly. He married JoAnn Gray July 3, 1965 and she survives in Lima.

Russ was a member of Cridersville United Methodist Church and had taught Sunday school for several years and helped with Chi Ki Lo food pantry. He was a life member of American Motorcycle Association, Motorcycle sport & touring Association since 2006 and Motorcycle Ohio safety instructor for 25 years. He was a member of Ohio High School Athletic Association – Official and coach; track and cross country coach for 45 plus years and Western Ohio track & cross country officials association. He also had been a basketball coach and official for 30 years. He was also a member of the Allen County Retired Teachers, retiring from Shawnee Schools. He was a Shawnee Township trustee for more than 16 years.

Additional survivors include a son: Tim (Heather) Holly of Lima, a daughter: Anna Marie Angel of Cridersville; 6 grandchildren: Amanda, Gavin, Tessa and Chloe Angel and Harrison and Logan Holly.

He was preceded in death by a brother James Albert Holly and a son-in-law Steven Angel.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions may be given to Chi Ki Lo Food Pantry c/o Cridersville United Methodist Church.

See Condolences

I will never forget Mr.Holly. He was my daughter Katie’s cross country coach and she graduated in 1997. We exchanged Christmas cards for 25 years. His lovely wife was so patient when he was building confidence in everyone else’s kids. I couldn’t believe he was still coaching. He touched many lives and I thank you for every kind word and memory. Chris

JoAnn, Anna, and Tim, We were so sorry to hear of Russ's passing. He was a wonderful neighbor, middle school teacher, motorcycle instructor, and coach. You have our deepest sympathy. Fondly, Dennis and Pat

My deepest thoughts an prayers go to you family. Mr. Holly was my third grade Scientist way back in the seventies. Shawnee elementary. Got to meet him as a teacher and a man an happy to have met bothR.I.P.

Just want to pass on how very sorry we are to learn of Russ's recent passing. It comes as a shock, and we can't believe he is gone at such an early age. I will always have fond memories of watching Russ and the countless number of young people in the field behind our home being put thru the paces. Standing there with a ballcap on and whistle in mouth yelling for them to pick it up. He seemed so supportive of all the kids, especially those who lagged behind but were still competing. What a great guy! He certainly has touched a lot of lives in our community and will be missed by many. Again, our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Ride on Russ!!! Phil & Karen Wilcox.

There are many words that describe Russ: husband, father, friend to all, giving, teacher, caring, kind, but, mostly he was a man of faith. His faith was reflected in everything he did. He lived his faith and his life as it should be, gently setting an example of how we should live ours. We are so grateful to have had Russ in our lives and we’re truly honored to have been his friend. Joann, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, we are here for you if you ever need us.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am sad to hear of the passing of Russ. He was a fine Gentleman and Christian. I only new him briefly but will remember him always. May he rest in peace with Jesus his Lord.

JoAnn, Our condolences. He was a good friend. And forever will be missed. We will still continue to save a chair at our monthly luncheon. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Russ was a great friend, teacher, coach and beloved community member. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Shawnee Schools.

It was a pleasure to spend 23 years chatting with Coach and learning from him during cross-country and track practices and meets. Definitely one of my all-time favorite people. My prayers go out to the family for their sorrows, and a prayer of thanks to God for allowing Coach Holly to be a part of our lives.

I'm so sorry to hear this. He was such a kind man. Was a friend of my late husband. Praying for God's comfort to his family and friends.

Russ was my very first youth pastor at the Cridersville Free Methodist Church, now a city museum. He and his wife, JoAnn, were great examples of what a Christian should be. They had at least one, if not more, gatherings at their home for our youth group to attend. Russ’ love and dedication to his Lord was inspiring to me and helped instill a desire to serve the same God. Altho my dad and uncle were manly Christian pillars in our church, seeing Russ and how he lived his life also left an impression. He will be greatly missed. May God’s infinite grace and mercy be with JoAnn and the family in the days ahead. You will see him again!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.