John Holland Jr.

CAIRO, Ill. -- John Grover Holland Jr., of Cairo departed this life Thursday, June 24, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

He was born Aug. 11, 1954, to John Grover and Geneva Blackburn Holland Sr., both of Cairo.

He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he was a brother of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and Southern Illinois University School of Law. A second-generation attorney, he practiced in Alexander County for 31 years. He was a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association, and he was licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

An avid outdoors man, John was a legend in Ballard County, Kentucky, and beyond for his tireless and joyful pursuit of waterfowl. He loved to spend time in nature, a trait he passed along to his children.

As trustee of the Oris B. Hastings Foundation, he was a dedicated and humble philanthropist, contributing to charitable organizations in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. He was always reluctant to take credit for his incredible efforts with the foundation, knowing that good works speak for themselves. Those whose lives he benefited will surely never forget his generosity.

A long-time pillar of his community, he was a member of the Elks Club, Rotary Club International and the Chief Paduke Gun Club.

He was a member of St. Henry's Catholic Church in Charleston, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Suzy Holland, of the home; his four children, Alice Marie and Keith Harrison (Danny) Holland, Benjamin and Marcus Rushing; and cousins, Courtney Blackburn, Kim Blackburn, Tori (Mark) Klein and Diana Sue (Fred) Elliott.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father.

The family will hold a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Charleston, with the Rev. David Dohogne officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home. Please mail to Crain Funeral Home, 135 W. Vienna St., Anna, IL 62906.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family visit www.crainsonline.com.