Obituary of Thomas Holladay

Thomas Michael Hollady Thomas M. Holladay, 58, passed away Monday October 20, 2008 at his home, he was surrounded by his loving family members. He was born on October 28, 1949 in Buffalo, New York to Mariana E. Holladay and James B. Holladay. He served proudly in the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict, receiving many medals, awards and Airman of the Month from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1973. As an MP during his service years, he had top national security clearances that took him many places all over the world. After discharge he settled in Walnut Creek, CA where he met his future wife and bonus son Kelly. Linda and Tom were married on September 9, 1973 and moved several times until settling in Thurston County to be near his parents. He had many hobbies and interests, but mostly hunting and shooting sports. He obtained his master marksman award from the NRA several years ago. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He worked many years at Hardel Building Center as assistant manager and manager. He was so proud when he became a manager and brought the store into a positive position, after many years of being in the non-profit arena. He later worked for Olympic Wholesale Building Supply (doing what he loved to do best, which was drive big rigs). He drove the only Husky truck up and down the I-5 corridor, with many honks and waves along the way, a special thanks to Al and Mark at Olympic Wholesale for making that happen. He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Kelly (daughter in law Terri) of St. Louis; James B. (daughter in law Melissa) of Lynnwood and additional bonus son James Bradley Martin (daughter in law Kira) of Puyallup, and special one and only grandson Parker James; his mother Mariana and mother in law Nancy Bullis of Corvallis, OR; aunts and uncles and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, brother and grandparents. A special thanks to the Hospice nurses and doctors, and the crew at Olympic Wholesale. A special thanks also to Dennis, Mark and Dave for making and finishing his ramp in time for his home arrival. Tom always faced life’s challenges with dignity and courage and never asked, ‘Why Me?” He always said “It is what it is!” To leave a condolense, click on View Guestbook below: