Russell Edward Holland

Some men live a good life. Some men live a long life. And then there are the rare ones-the men who live so fully and love so deeply that when they are gone, the world feels a little quieter without them. Russell Edward Holland was one of those men. He was an extraordinary force, and the echo of his inspiring life will carry on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Russ Holland lived by three words: God, country, and family. Born in Kinston, North Carolina on September 17, 1944. He passed away at his home in Powhatan, Virginia on September 16, 2026, enfolded by the love of his wife and daughter Mandy, just shy of his 82nd birthday. We decided to give him 82.

Russ was a proud American who served his country with distinction as a U.S. Army Major. A decorated Vietnam veteran, his military accomplishments reflected his courage, skill, badassery and unwavering commitment. He earned numerous awards for his service as a helicopter pilot, including the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, numerous Meritorious Air Medals, numerous Air Medals for Heroism, and two Purple Hearts. Later in his military career, he played a crucial role in the development of the Hellfire missile system. At a time when the missile could only be effectively target-guided at night, Russ worked directly with testing teams to refine the technology, helping solve the critical challenges that allowed it to be deployed during the day.

But if you knew Russ, you know his esteemed military career was one chapter of many chapters of his story.

After retiring from the military, Russ poured his energy into public service, farming, and stewardship of the land. Steeped in all things Southern, he loved hunting, the outdoors, and sharing his wisdom with others. For many years, he taught Hunter Safety to the public and trained new instructors, instilling not only practical skills and firearm safety, but also a profound respect for the land and the responsibility that comes with it.

He was no stranger to hard work, nor to circumnavigating the state of Virginia, and perhaps even North Carolina, just to check in and ensure you were doing the work you were supposed to be doing (and to his liking). 

He was always thinking ahead, always thinking of others, and even if you weren't quite in line with what he wanted to do for you, he was going to do it anyway. 

He believed in doing the right thing, he believed in justice, and there was never any question about where you stood with him or how he was feeling.

Throughout his life, Russ was an instigator of both fun and grand exploits. He had a story about any and everything, knew someone just about anywhere, and could make you laugh, make you think, and occasionally make you wonder exactly what kind of wild ride you had gotten yourself into.

Russ had an undeniable knack for cultivating growth and greatness in those around him. No matter where you were in life, whether raising a family, studying for the future, or striving for personal achievement, he challenged you to aim higher. His steadfast encouragement changed the trajectory of many lives, leaving behind a legacy of people who accomplished more because he believed they could. 

Russ had a habit of making family out of the people who mattered to him. And above all else, he loved his family immeasurably. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Myrtle Helen Holland and Richard Edward Holland, his brother Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., as well as his brothers in arms Lee Hoskins, Richard Holdcraft, and Larry Brown.

He is survived by the love of his life, Debbie Holland, along with his children, Challen Edwards, Gail Headley and husband Jeff Headley, Russ Holland Jr. and wife Anna Holland, Tony Teague, Brandon Teague and wife Kami Teague, and Mandy Holland and partner James McGuigan.

He leaves behind his grandchildren, Carl Opauski III and wife Lauren Opauski, Emma Headley, Savannah Headley, Paige Teague Camp and husband Hunter Camp, Ares Cabigting and husband Nate Cabigting, S.J. Edwards, Caroline Edwards, Charlie Edwards, Olivia Ingalsbe and husband Mitch Ingalsbe, R.E. Holland and fiance Sydnee Johnson, and Joshua Holland, and his great grandchildren, Vada Opauski and Carl Opauski IV.

He is also survived by men he cherished as sons: Donny Hoskins, Mark Hammett, Shane Holdcraft, Warren Hicks, Andy Hicks, Kyle Goolsby, and Eric Goolsby.

A celebration of life will be held at May Memorial Baptist Church on September 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, should you feel inclined, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the May Memorial Baptist Scholarship Fund.