HOLLAND, Frank Howard, 65, of Midlothian, a native of Radford, passed September 19, 2013. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Holland; two children, Martha Snow Holland Stanley and Andrew Holland; two grandchildren, Mason and Isabella Holland; and his son-in-law, Steve Stanley. Mr. Holland was a 1970 graduate of Virginia Tech and lifelong Hokie. He was an educator with Chesterfield County Public Schools for over 30 years and was an administrator for the last 15 years. His remains rest at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where the family will receive from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Dale Memorial Park. (No procession to cemetery.) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little People of America Adoption Program, 250 El Camino Real, Suite 201, Tustin, California 92780. (www.lpaonline.org). Online condolences to WoodyFuneralHome.com.
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Sponsored by Martha Stanley .
April 4, 2019
Friend
Jenna Smallwood
Though I did not know Mr Holland personally, I always observed how patient and kind he was with his wife when I saw them different areas in town.
October 14, 2013
Dear Cathy,I was so sorry to hear about Frank! I have such fond memories of you both from school days in Radford. Frank was so kind, sincere, fun, and of course patient with you and me as we chatted non-stop on all those double dates. May the special memories that you and your family have created bring you comfort now and always. Love,Janet Gardiner Bateman
October 11, 2013
Diane Stratton
Frank was so loved and respected by the faculty at Providence Middle.He was always so calm and positive to me as a teacher when I taught there.I loved every minute he was our Assistant Principal and was very sad when he left us, just as you, his family must feel now that he has left you. He will be missed, I am sure.
October 9, 2013
Pam Hylton
Cathy,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Frank.
It has been so many years since I have seen you and Frank but please know you have been in my thoughts and prayers and I will continue to do so.
Cathy, I have this feeling there's one more star in the sky. And even though it's far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark. May God bless you and keep you and your family within his loving care.
Love, Pam (Cook) Hylton
October 4, 2013
Martha
Hello again to all who have posted wonderful things about my Dad. He was my hero and personal coach. I just wanted to let you all know how grateful we are for your kind words. Sincerely, Martha, Cathy, Andy, and Steve.
October 1, 2013
Dear Cathy, Martha and Andy,
I find myself at a loss for words when I think of the heartache you must be feeling upon the loss of Frank. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort as you face the days ahead.
Love,
Cara Copenhaver Jones
September 30, 2013
My sympathy goes out to Frank's family. Jim and Deborah Pridgen
September 29, 2013
David Chrisman
Dear Cathy and family,
You are in my prayers also.
Some of my earliest memories include Frank. He and his parents lived across Fifth Street from us when we were preschoolers. Several years later they moved two blocks away to Third Street, but we still played together with George Wilson and Gary Stevens. His mom was our Cub Scout Den Mother, so I spent a lot of time at their house. I remember that Frank spent a lot of time dribbling and shooting baskets in the garage where his dad had put a goal and I don't think they ever parked the cars there.
What I remember most about Frank is that even though he became a star athlete at Radford High, it never seemed to go to his head. He treated everyone with respect and kindness. I see that continued on through the rest of his life.
I have enjoyed reading what others have said about him and you. I agree with all their observations.
September 26, 2013
Robin Yohe
Martha, I have been thinking of you this week since the passing of your Dad. I met him at Robious while I was teaching at James River. He was so helpful. I know you will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
September 26, 2013
Tim Griffith
Frank probably knew me from the day I was born. He grew up in the neighborhood and graduated with my older sister in Radford all those years ago. He came mid year my 7th grade year to teach us at Belle Heth and had to whisper to me not to call him Frank in front of my classmates, which was a hard habit to break since I had known him as Frank my whole life. Frank was a breath of fresh air and my memories of him are fond. I am truly saddened by his passing and can only offer my condolences to his family and friends.
September 26, 2013
Debbie & Bob Gulley
We had so much respect for Frank and truly enjoyed our time together at Chester Middle, especially during track season. His was a level head when we got caught up 'in the hunt.' We are so sorry for your loss.
September 26, 2013
I was so sad to read of Frank's death yesterday in the News Journal. My prayers and sympathy to Cathy, Martha, Andrew, and the rest of the family.
Jean Umberger, Retired-McHarg
September 26, 2013
Tommie Martin
Coach Holland was a special person to so many people. He was my 7th grade teacher at Belle Heth 1970-71. I remember when he came; he was tough!! I played football for him and Coach Waterworth at RHS 1973-74 school year; he was great to play for. Many years later in 2004, my daughter was being picked on at Manchester Middle School. I went there to get it corrected. I was told to see a certain administrator, a Mr. Holland. My mind flashed back to a Mr. Holland I had as a teacher and coach. I open the door, and it was Coach Holland. He had to think for a minute, and I dropped a clue and he remembered me!!! I had not seen him in 30 years!! Needless to say, my childs problem was taken care of immediately. He believed in rules and regulations and enforced them.
Coach Holland was a wonderful teacher, coach and human being. That reunion was just like I remember him: always reaching out to help regardless of who you were. His kind is what we need more of in this difficult world. God Bless the family and grant you peace and understanding during this difficult time.
September 25, 2013
Frank Clark
Cathy, We was very sorry to hear about Frank's death. It has been many years, but we remember both of you very fondly. Sincerely, Frank and Palma Clark
September 25, 2013
Barbara Leonard
To Cathy and family. I know it has been many years since I have seen you and Frank. The many years in the group we shared together will always be a memory of mine. So many people were involved and a lot of success was completed. I will always remember Frank and his participation as well as yours. I guess we lost touch in 1995 when the group stopped meeting,. I often wonder how the aftermath of the search went. I send my prayers to you and yours. Hope you are doing well. Barbara Leonard
September 25, 2013
Martha
What wonderful things everyone has said about my Dad. Just wanted to let anyone know that will be there on Saturday to wear your Hokie colors (maroon and orange)! We are going for informal wear, Hokie style!
September 25, 2013
Cathy, so sorry to read of Frank's death.
So glad we made the effort to meet,visit and get acquainted.
Fondly, Joann Pack Sutphin Blacksburg
September 25, 2013
Bill and Becky Semones
Cathy and family,
We are very saddened to learn of Frank's death. So many fond memories of growing up together in Radford. Cub Scouts, shooting basketball over the rafters in his garage, McHarg elementary, Radford High, sharing the joy and tribulations of growing up. We regret that, as so often happens, we lose contact as we go about our lives. Please accept our condolences.
September 24, 2013
Karen Ott
I was so sorry to hear about Frank! He was one of my assistant principals when I was at Robious Middle and was always so positive. Every time we went to Sears, I always went up to the appliances to see if he was working to say hi. He will be missed!
September 24, 2013
Donna and Bill Copenhaver
Cathy, Martha,and Andy, how very sad Bill and I were when we heard that Frank had passed. He was such a highly respected, fine man. I know he was a super father and husband and also a wonderful friend to so many. We have very happy memories of him when we all lived in Radford. We will truly cherish our memories of special times together. We can't even imagine the grief you are going through. To each of you we send our deepest sympathy and want you to know that you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Bill Copenhaver (Salem)
September 24, 2013
Marlene Scott
Cathy and family;
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the priviledge of working with Frank for a year as we shared the role of assistant principal. I learned a lot from Frank mostly, about remaining calm under pressure. He was a great leader and teacher. I bumped into him at Sears a few years ago and we shared so many stories about our lives at the middle school and caught up on our growing families . He was so proud and worked very hard for his family. What a great man! He will be sorely missed.
Marlene Scott, Ed.D.
September 24, 2013
Cathy and family, we are so sad for you. I'll always remember fondly the days that I taught with Frank at Belle Heth and shared the Radford Village neighborhood with you all. He was a fine man and I know you will miss him terribly. Becky (Mullins) Hendrix and Phil Hendrix
September 24, 2013
Cole Family
Martha,Steve, Cathy, and Andy,
Holding you all in our hearts and in our prayers. Wishing you much peace and comfort at this time and always!
Monica, Cliff, Brandon, and Dani
September 23, 2013
Ed Blackwell
I extend my sympathy to the entire family--and to the entire community, which has endured a great loss. I started working summer school with Frank 27 years ago and also was fortunate enough to work with him at a middle school also. No matter what had happened on any particular day and no matter what kind of mood I was in, I always left school with a smile on my face because of the positive spin Frank could put on any situation. With Frank, the glass was not half full, it was completely full! I tried a sabbatical from summer school, but when the phone rang and it was Frank, I was "back in the game" and loving it! God bless all of you, and I am left with so many fond memories that I smile each time Frank's name is mentioned! --Ed
September 23, 2013
Connie Wohlford
Cathy, Martha, Andy and family, we are so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Please know that you are and will continue in our prayers. Love, Guy & Connie (Edwards) Wohlford --- Radford, Virginia
September 23, 2013
Ceal Donohue
Martha and family,
I was saddened to read of your father's passing. He and I worked a number of summer schools together as we began our administrative careers. He was a kind and caring man and I feel privileged to have known him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 23, 2013
Dr. Brenda Mayo
Cathy, Martha, & Andy - Please know that you are in my prayers. I worked with Frank for three years while serving as principal of Robious Middle. He was a wonderful assistant principal and a great individual. I know that he loved his "family".........
September 23, 2013
Shannon Jones
I remember mr. Holland as an administrator when I was in middle school at robious middle and then providence. Such a kind man, so sorry for your loss
Shannon jones
September 23, 2013
Sandy Mills
Times shared with your family will never be forgotten. Frank was always such a rock for everyone. I guess God needed a strong person to help him out. God Bless Your Family.
September 23, 2013
Martha, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your father. Carolyn Vivas (South Chesterfield, VA)
September 23, 2013
David J. Bisset
When time stood still on a Friday night at RHS
I was at Radford High School Friday night welcoming Radford High's Sixth Hall of Fame Class into the stadium.
Thunderstorms were expected to arrive about game time when the Bobcats hosted the Blacksburg Bruins, a team they hadn't played since 1993. How time flies I thought to myself. How things here at Radford have changed and yet remained constant too.
After the newest members of the Hall of Fame were recognized before the kickoff, I took a one-man tour of the old RHS campus. I do not know why I was thinking about Frank and Cathy and the Holland family that night, but I was.
I walked across what was once the All-American Dust Bowl field where the football team and baseball teams called home.
I could hear the announcer talking about who won the coin flip and who was going to play offense and defense in the 65th meeting between the two schools in the stadium.
Then time just stood still for me. I was lost in another era when Frank, Cathy, and I and so many other Bobcats came through Radford High School to participate in sports, join clubs, and meet new friends along the way.
We were encouraged to succeed and make a name for ourselves so that when we graduated we would have the tools to succeed in our adult lives.
That was the quest of our teachers and our School Superintendent Dr. Bill Cochran, who told us that we would graduate on June 6 no matter how many days of snow and cancellations that year. He said we would graduate on the Sixth of June. He kept his word.
What did we do that year? Well the big news that September was that a committee of city leaders had decided it was time that the Bobcats had a new football/track stadium. No more playing in the All American Dust Bowl for football and baseball. The new stadium would seat 5,000, with a track, ticket booths and a chain link fence.
A booster club was forming and with it the stadium became the focal point during the season. The Bobcats had an up and down football season so it was good the stadium idea was taking hold in the community.
When football season ended, basketball kept the Bobcats busy until spring. I recall Frank had 12 points and eight rebounds in the opener. Two games later, RHS Coach Jerry Glass asked Frank to shift from forward to point guard. Not sure why exactly, Frank could swish from the corners and rebound as well as anybody.
When the New Year arrived, 80 percent of the pine trees had been cut down and the new stadium was beginning to take shape.
Frank played basketball with John Dobbins, Kenny Edwards, John Roberts, David Hannah, and Tom Gammache to name a few of the players on that team. The team made big news before the season was half over. The Bobcats scored a school record of 97 points against Hillsville. Frank led all scorers that game with 23 points and did not commit a foul. Butch Robertson had 19, Sylvester Stanley 17 and Gary Goodwin 14 among the double figure scorers.
The Bobcats went on a mini-winning streak including a 50-48 victory over Narrows. Frank had game-high 15 points. That win helped the Bobcats reach the New River District Tournament for the first time in five years. Frank scored 12 points as Radford upset George Wythe 52-44. The Bobcats lost the next two games to finish fourth in the NRD Tournament and 10-11 overall.
Spring arrived and baseball, tennis, and track were the sports the Bobcats played. Frank was an outstanding third baseman and could pitch too. He was a good slugger as well for RHS Coach Paul Hall's team that was attempting to win their fourth straight NRD baseball crown.
Frank was also a good tennis player. I remember Frank had played on two tennis teams that won the 1-B state titles for Coach Bud Skeens. Coach Skeens kept telling the Bobcats that all they needed was to play a college team a couple of matches so that one understood the mentality of the game. The players thought it was a waste of their time, but finally agreed to play Ferrum College. Radford won Friday night and Saturday afternoon and it was no fluke. Ferrum would not call the scores into the local papers, but Skeens let it be known that Radford High had set the world on fire in tennis.
At the time Frank was a freshman on the team. Others that I recall on the team were Terry Stout, Bill Ryplanski, Jigger Roberts, George Wilson, Clark Cunningham, Bill Cochran, Billy Ingles, Butch Robertson, David Hannah, and Gary Goodwin. During the season Radford went 11-0 and won the state crown. The next year Frank was a sophomore and the Bobcats continued to win matches. They went undefeated and repeated as state championships.
Before the second state tennis title that spring, the Bobcats had a new rookie playing basketball during the winter. Yes it was Frank. He played with Randy Whitt, Jakie Slusher, Chuck Housel, Wayne Brooks, Dougie Fitzpatrick, Nelson Sifford, Gary Atkinson, and Kit Coates to name a few of the players on that team. The Bobcats had an up and down season, but the future looked bright despite the won-loss record.
The thing was, Holland's family moved away for Frank's junior year, but the good news was he returned to Radford for his senior year which was even better for a girl named Cathy, who had fallen madly in love with him.
Somehow it was one of those high school romances that would blossom for years to come. Even after Frank went to Virginia Tech, there was Cathy always nearby. One knew they were meant for each other. They shared so much in common including their love for poems in senior creative writing classes at RHS. Both had their poems published as seniors at RHS.
“Twilight”
By Frank Howard Holland
As the world settles down for the night,
And the sky is no longer with light,
All the birds seem to vanish from sight.
As the world gathers strength for the morn
Where is there a lovelier view?
Than spring grass that sparkles with dew
Like a baby so young and so new
That it welcomes the world from the start.
Suddenly I could hear a crowd began to roar and a touchdown to be scored. It brought me back to reality. I was between first and second base in the old dust bowl which today would be the football practice field.
I wondered where everybody was. I thought about the Hall of Fame, the new and old members. I thought about Frank and Cathy and wondered what had become of them since he left teaching Belle Heth School students in Radford years ago.
It wasn't until Sunday when I thumbed the obits of the Roanoke paper that I realized that Frank was no longer with us. He will not be able to write a poem, play sports, kiss his wife, love his family and cheer for the Hokies.
I will miss you, Frank, I certainly will.
By David J. Bisset
A Radford High classmate
September 23, 2013
Tammy Fortner
Martha and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Cherish your memories! You are all in my prayers.
September 22, 2013
Meredith S. Mullin
I've worked w/ Frank many years at Chesterfield Sears. Often I'd see Frank coming into work or leaving for the day, we have past by each other in the hallway many times and it won't be the same, not seeing his smiling face as I'm walking through upstairs heading to the breakroom... My condolences to Mrs Holland & family. Frank will be missed dearly by many.
September 22, 2013
Cathy, Martha, & Andy,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Such wonderful memories of you folks during your time in Radford. May God bring you comfort and peace. Lee and Jim Slusher
September 22, 2013
Claire Gilman
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Holland in Radford, and he was such a nice man. God Bless!
Claire Thompson Gilman
September 22, 2013
Allison (Thompson) Whitley
Cathy, Martha, & Andy,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Frank. As you deal with these difficult times, please know I am holding you in my prayers. May God comfort you and help you find peace.
Allison (Thompson) Whitley
September 22, 2013
Toni Hagerman
Frank Holland was my teacher (many years ago) in 6th and 7th grades at Belle Heath Elementary School in Radford. These were tough years for me and he made a difference in my life. I am grateful for the ways he gave and the uncountable number of kids whose lives are different because of his gifts as teacher and mentor.
September 22, 2013
Cathy and family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Frank was a wonderful friend who we remember from RHS days as well as recent years in Richmond. We will always be thankful for his friendship and help.
Vicki and Bill Cochran
September 22, 2013
Janet Lambert
Cathy, it was a shock to open the paper today and see that Frank had left this life. What a wonderful family the two of you produced! You were able to see together and be proud as that family grew and and flowered into the future. Our prayers for all of you will be that your thoughts will center on good times and the obvious love we all saw when we watched you together.
May we soon, when you are ready, share again some of those memories?
Janet and Jim Lambert
September 22, 2013
Michael Thompson
Johanna and I are saddened to learn of Frank's death and we hold him in our prayers of thanksgiving for the life he lived and shared with us in his life! He was my Senior Warden at Grace Church, Radford, was always available with his wise guidance and counsel and warm, sensitive friendship. As God holds his soul in His hands, we hold Cathy, Martha, Andy, and families in our love. God's peace and grace be with you each in the power of the Resurrection unto life everlasting.
Michael and Johanna
September 22, 2013
Ann Martin
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. Mr. Holland was my teacher at Belle Heth. He was such a gentle giant and a great teacher. He will forever be in the hearts of many.
September 22, 2013
MARY THOMPSON
Mr. Holland was my 6th & 7th grade teacher at Belle Heth. He was a wonderful man & teacher. I remember him bring Ms. Martha to school with him, you were such a blessing! My thoughts & prayers are with the family! God took a grrreat Angel home!!
September 22, 2013
Howard & Linda Claflin
To my Sister and our niece and nephew. Frank was the most positive person we have ever known. Linda and I will miss our emails and phone calls with him.
The miles apart have made it hard. He will be missed by many.
Our thoughts are with you
September 22, 2013
Dean Sandridge
Andrew, Mason, Isabella and family,
I am so saddened by your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I was able to meet Mr. Holland on a few occasions and he was a very sweet gentle man. We were on the phone a bit earlier this year and Andrew know he loved you very much.
Andrew,
If there is anything you need please let me know. Call me anytime. The below poem got me through my dad and moms passing, so I hope it can help you all! Love and miss you 3!
We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
September 22, 2013
Shirl Leverett
I am saddened to learn that Frank has left us, but I rejoice in knowing that he is with the Lord. Frank was a sweet soul. We worked together as school administrators for a number of years. He was kind, and had a nice sense of humor. I will remember him with fondness.
September 22, 2013
Bud Hazelgrove, GM
Please accept Woody staff condolences for your loss. You can depend on us to assist you on this journey and we will strive for your complete satisfaction while your loved one is in our care. We believe you deserve nothing less. For these difficult days, we will be honored to have you consider our home and family a part of yours.
September 21, 2013
I too was a student of Mr Holland at Belle Heth. We had a lot of respect for him. As a tribute to him at the end of school we had a pizza party. He always used pizza to as demonstration, especially in fractions. He was a wonderful person.
Sheila (Nester)Sowers
September 21, 2013
Cathy and family,
We are saddened to hear of Frank's passing. We have such wonderful memories of him. Keeping all of you in our prayers. Jeannie and Tom Bain
September 21, 2013
Amy Wilson Reitmeyer
Mr. Holland remains to this day one of my favorite teachers. I will always remember the fun of after-school activities and playing broomball in the multi-purpose room at Belle Heth. Your family is in my prayers.
September 21, 2013
Gary & Patty Tilley
We are so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. We will have all of the family in our thoughts and prayers.
September 21, 2013
Barbara Cox Bove
May the family be held in God's loving arms.
September 21, 2013
Barbara Cox Bove'
Cathy please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of Frank.
September 21, 2013
Rhonda Swim
Mr.Holland was my teacher at Belle Heth.I am sorry for your loss.
September 21, 2013
Cathy, Martha & Andrew, I'm so sorry for your loss. Frank was a wonderful man, good husband, father, & teacher. He will be missed by so many.
Beth Matthews
September 21, 2013
I'm sad to hear of the passing of Frank . I remember him as real standup guy in at RHS . Danny M. Wood
September 21, 2013
Poole Joseph
It is very sad to lose a fellow student and an old friend.
My prayers to the family.
September 21, 2013
Bob Gammache
I am so very sorry to hear about Frank' s passing. He was a good friend at RHS. Bob Gammache
September 21, 2013
michele lanter
My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, Martha, and the rest of the family. With deepest sympathy.
Michele Yuhas Lanter
Pulaski, Va
September 20, 2013
Lissa Graham
Much love to you Martha and your family.
September 20, 2013
Cheryl Rogers
I remember Frank fondly from our class at RHS. So sorry to hear about your loss and pray for your family to be comforted. Cheryl Miller Rogers
September 20, 2013
Georgia Faison
Marvin, Alex, and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
September 20, 2013
Gail and I are devastated by the loss of Frank. Please accept out heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. He was such a special man. Be comforted by the knowledge that he is in God's hands. Donna Jean and Gail Z.
September 20, 2013
Nancy and David Ellena
There is a special table reserved for educators in heaven. Love to Martha Stanley and family.
September 20, 2013
tommy bain
Jeannie and I are so very sorry to hear of Franks passing. Our years at RHS are fondly remembered. We think of your family often. Our deepest sympathies.
Tommy and Jeannie Bain
September 20, 2013
Beth Vaughn
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your sudden, tragic loss. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
September 20, 2013
We are so saddened to learn of Frank's passing. Such a wonderful father, husband and friend. Please know he was special to all of us who grew up with him and had him as a part of our lives. Please accept our thoughts and prayers. Pete and Peggy Beller
September 20, 2013
Jim Rutrough
Please accept my sincere condolences. Frank was a special individual in many ways.
September 20, 2013
Sherry Martz
Martha, dear. I am very sorry for your loss. I'm glad I was able to meet the man that was your bestest friend your entire life. What a special father/daughter bond! Such a blessing for the both of you! I love you. Sending my sympathies to the entire family. God bless you all.
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