Lamar “Smokey” Holloway, age 71, a lifelong resident of Baker, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, after a fifteen-month battle with liver cancer. Smokey was born on October 21, 1950, in Crestview, Florida to Tommie and Delean Holloway. Smokey graduated from Baker High School in 1968. While attending Baker School, his passion was football where he sported #72, he loved baseball and was a member of the band. So many special memories were made there just hanging with the guys, many who are still lifelong friends. On February 20, 1971, he showed up at the door of Pamela Leigh Burke wearing whitewashed jeans, a baby blue golf shirt and penny loafers with no socks for a first date and the rest is history. They were married July 7, 1972. Smokey worked at Monsanto from 1969-1973, still helping his dad Tommie work and gather crops from the family field. After being laid off, Smokey worked full time in the fields while studying for his insurance license. In 1984, Smokey became a Nationwide agent in Crestview and in 2005, he went independent and became known as The Holloway Agency, where his son Dusty has been his business partner for twenty-eight years. Smokey continued to go into the office up until the last three months of life when he decided that he deserved a break!
Smokey loved God, his family and friends, and being in the outdoors. Through the years, he sang and played the bass guitar for several gospel groups: The Courtney’s, One Accord, Nu Sounds, and at First Assembly of God in Crestview. He would often join his dad Tommie to sing and play at numerous funerals. Speaking of singing, oh the fun memories at Wog’s for karaoke nights on weekends with food, bonfires, laughter and love. He loved fishing and hunting with lifelong friends like Donnie and Paul and loved golfing with his son Dusty and grandson Chandler. He loved anything and everything his grands Madison and Chandler did through the years, whether it was weekend volleyball trips, competitive golf trips, vacations or just hanging out, that was his happy place. So many special times that will be cherished. Although life will never be the same, what sweet memories we will all have to talk about and a Christian heritage to pass on.
Smokey was proceeded in death by his parents, Tommie and Dean Holloway, in laws, Bobby and Freddie Burke, Uncle Joe and Seb Holloway and many other family and friends who were there to greet Smokey at heaven’s gate.
Smokey is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Pamela Leigh Burke Holloway. A son, Dusty and wife Amy, granddaughter Madison and husband Ethan, and grandson Chandler, who called him Papa, and the sister he never had, Amy’s mom Carolyn Barnes. The apple of his eye, daughter Lana Holloway and his brother Ronnie and Noma Holloway, niece Tara and husband Aaron Orr, sons Autrey and Vaughn, niece Roni and husband Jonathan Caswell, daughters Lily and Lainey. Cousin Gloria and Greg Fortner, Blake and Misty Fortner, Gavin and Payton, Brittany and Charlie Day, and Lynn and Steve Davis and daughter Claire, brother-in-law Lou and Ronda Burke and daughter Jordan and husband Isaac Fuentes as well as many other extended family members whom he loved. Smokey was also blessed to consider the Gunters, Tolberts, Englishes, and Adams all family he chose and with whom his family shared many years of love, laughter, and special memories. Until the very end, they have been there, Gigi staying every night with Grammie, their families bringing food, sitting reminiscing, laughing, and crying with us. Papa loved his people and they loved him.
A special Thank You to the staff of the North Okaloosa Medical Center who became like family over the last seven months. From the ER to the OR to the ICU to the 2 South floor, everyone knew Papa’s story and were routing for him through this battle with liver cancer and all its complications. Most especially a huge thank you to Rhonda, Cara, Skylar, Felicia, Jamie, Jamie, Sydney, Jennifer, Anne, Dee, and Kathy. You know who you are, and we will never forget you! Y’all walked into Papa’s room every day and made a positive difference – thank you for your care, compassion, and professionalism. Special thanks to Dr. Moussa, Dr. Thigpen, Dr. Donchey, Dr. Tablong, Dr. Josh Kolmetz and PA Amy Russell, Dr. Deleon, Melissa Emmerling and the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for their teamwork approach to provide the best care for Papa. Most especially, to the pastoral staff of Lifepoint Church, your love and constant support, visits, and prayers sustained and encouraged us, and we will be forever grateful. The last week, before the end, Papa continued to tell us and everyone that came to visit that “Heaven is real and you do not want to miss it” and that is our prayer that everyone will meet Jesus, just like Papa, face to face just as he did on Sunday, July 24, 2022.
Funeral Service and celebration of life will be held at Lifepoint Church, Crestview, Florida, on Sunday, August 7, 2022, with Pastor Michael Lugones and Pastor Mark English officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 5:00 with the service to begin at 5:00. There will be a private family burial at Pyron Chapel on Monday.
Flowers are accepted or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lifepoint Church. To donate, please click the link below and choose the fund “In Memory of Smokey Holloway”.
The service will be available to be seen on Lifepoint Church livestream, Sunday at 5:00.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Lifepoint Church
Lifepoint Church
Ronald Wilson
July 27, 2022, 9:19 pm
Smokey, your the best my friend. Always loving friend whom Marcia and I loved dearly, I remember first time that I saw you at Church chasing after the love of your life, you were meant for each other, the many times we played softball together. I’ve lost a dear friend whom I loved so very much and love all the Holloways. I’m sure you and your mom and dad are catching up. Love all of you guys
Judy Harrell
July 27, 2022, 9:59 pm
As hard as letting go is it is so much easier knowing the sights they saw when they entered those gates. The Courtney’s and Holloway have always had a special bond and I can almost hear the gospel music ringing out from heaven. What a beautiful life he lived. Hugs for all.
Lonnie bradley
July 27, 2022, 11:09 pm
so sorry for your loss Lana, I remember how much you loved your Dad. Lonnie Bradley
Eric Black
July 28, 2022, 12:19 am
Words cannot express the sorrow and pain we feel for the Holloway family. Smokey was a great man, and we are better for having known him. To his family, we offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. May you find solace with your family in this time of grief. Smokey, enjoy your well earned eternal peace.
Angela Meeks
July 28, 2022, 12:55 am
Your entire family is in my prayers. ♥️
Claudia Adams
July 28, 2022, 1:31 am
What a wonderful testimony Mr Holloway left of the Love of Jesus… For a short time I
did business with the Nation Wide Insurance. finding Mr. Holloway so kind, helpful and
honest….. No doubt as to where he is now….. Fpr sure the Holloway men are doing some
of the most beautiful singing and music….. I pray the peace of God and the Comfort of the
Holy Ghost be with the family and friends..
Sherry Brooks
July 28, 2022, 10:43 pm
Pam,Dusty,Lana and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sherry, Wendy David and Rickey Brooks.
Kay McArdle
July 29, 2022, 2:02 am
Pam, I’m so very sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know Smokey very well I do know he was the love of your life, and you his. I did meet him when your Aunt Dot was in the nursing home. I remember his kind smile and how nice he was to everyone there. I pray God embraces you in His loving arms and gives you the comfort and strength you and your family will need in the coming days. With much love, Kay Heath McArdle
Debby Deaton
July 29, 2022, 2:22 pm
I feel blessed to have been able to call Pam and Smokey friends. Their love for each other, their family, and for God is an inspiration to us all. Until they meet again.
Mack and Alice Sanders
July 30, 2022, 10:36 pm
Smokey was a great guy to be around. He sang at my dad’s funeral along with his dad. Not only could he sing, but he could cook those big cathead biscuits for fishing trips. I remember wildlife dinners together, peanut boils and men’s retreats. Smokey and Pam were meant for each other. I saw so much love within this family. He left a wonderful legacy. God bless the family as they carry it on.
Jim, Ronda and Jesse Dobbs and Lucien Whitlock
August 6, 2022, 9:21 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Len , Doreen Willingham
August 7, 2022, 10:49 pm
Pam and Family we are so sorry to hear about Smokey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.