Henry Hezikiah Holiday

Henry Hezikiah Holiday, also known, to many, as Hank, was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren, Brianna, Byron, and Brandon’s youth sports attending almost every game. He was a proud member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Hank passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the age of 85. He will be missed by his cherished dog, Cocoa.

Hank, the son of the late Hezikiah Holiday and Mary Johnson Holiday, was born on May 4, 1939, in Cherokee, Alabama, where he attended Cherokee High School. He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Columbia University in 1979.

At 19, Hank enlisted in the U.S Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. As part of this service, Hank completed overseas tours in Korea from 1958 to 1960 and 1962 to 1963; Germany from 1965 to 1967and 1973 to 1976; Vietnam from June 1968 to June 1969. He retired from the military in 1984. Military service medals and awards include, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 Awards), Good Conduct Medal (8), Letters of Appreciation 20 +, NCO Professional Development (5 Awards), Overseas Medal, and the National Defense Medal.

After completing his military career, Hank taught at Atholton High in Columbia, MD, until he accepted a position as a contract specialist at Fort Detrick, MD, from which he retired in 1996.

Hank was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, Millert, and Dexter Holiday; and two sons, Byron and Henry Holiday; and brother -in-law, Joe Cooper.

Hank is survived by his loving wife, of 57 years, Ann Marie McFadden Holiday; his daughters, Valerie (DeWayne) (5 children), Denise (Zimberlist, Sr.) (4 children) and Kellie (Michael) (4 children); sisters, Carlean Humes and Johnnie Mae Cooper; and his brother, Thomas Holiday (Marie); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends. His hobbies included golf, bowling, playing cards and dominoes. 

A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, followed by a service, to celebrate Hank’s life at the Stauffer Funeral Home at 1621 Opossumtown Pike, in Frederick, MD. The service will be officiated at 11 a.m. by Chaplain Lee of Fort Detrick, MD. The family would like to thank friends and relatives for their support during our time of grief. Immediately following the ceremony, the burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy (15N), Frederick, MD 21701. Repast will begin at 2 p.m. at the American Legion at 1450 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702.