It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Market 21’s wonderful founder and owner – Olen Holston.
Rodney Olen Holston, Jr, 50, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2022, in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
Olen was born on May 21, 1972 to Rodney and Marliese Holston in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and outside of traveling for work, he has been a resident of the Florida Panhandle his whole life. He was a 1990 Choctaw High School graduate, a member of the All Sports Association and a member of Airport Road Church of Christ.
With over 28 years’ working with Sam’s Club in various cities all over the Southeast, Olen transformed his food service experience, love for people, and customer service into his dream. In 2021 Market 21 Deli, Diner and Catering opened its doors and quickly grew to be a community favorite.
Olen is survived by his father, Rodney Holston, and his bonus mom Rebecca Holston; his sister, Patricia Dent, and her husband, Tom Dent, his bonus sister, Karen Watts, his bonus nieces, Jessica Haines (Ricky), Raylee Watts and Lynsey Watts, his brother, Bill Holston; his nephews and nieces, Liam Dent, Nikolaus Holston, Emma Holston, Sofie Dent; his uncle and aunt, Howard and Nancy Baldwin; and countless friends. Olen was preceded in death by his mother, Marliese Sofie Holston.
Olen was larger than life and loved nothing more than making his friends and loyal customers happy through his food. Market 21 was everything he dreamed of, and his heart was full from the overwhelming community support since opening the storefront December 2021. Thank you to each and every person who stopped by, shared your experience and genuinely supported him. He never took this for granted and knew how much he was loved.
We will all miss him more than words can express.
Please join our family and friends in celebrating his life this weekend.
Market 21 will be closed until further notice. The family is regrouping and assessing the situation on how to move forward. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10:00 am at Airport Road Church of Christ, 2845 Airport Road, Crestview, FL. With Minister Mark Dillman officiating. Burial to follow at Heritage Gardens, 2201 Partin Drive North Niceville, Florida 32578. The family will receive friends Friday, November 4, 2022 from 6-8 pm at Brackney Funeral Service, 480 East James Lee Blvd. Crestview Florida.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Airport Road Church of Christ
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Alta Larkins
November 4, 2022, 3:25 pm
I want to send my sincerest sympathy at the loss of your loved one. I’ve known Mr Olen since 2012. He was my store mgr at Sam’s Club 6361. He was a very caring and genuine person. He cared about the community, the business owners, the members and most of all his Sam’s associates. He will be greatly missed by so many. My prayers are with his family and friends.
J.D. & Wende Brewer
November 4, 2022, 8:25 pm
Deepest Condolences and Sympathy for Olen’s family and friends. I’ve known him for 20 plus years, working beside him and for him in Sam’s Clubs. Olen was a great friend and brother to me. He was the most giving soul I’ve known. He thoroughly enjoyed giving back and making his friends and customers happy through his food creations. Olen’s passion for his work and living his dream was infectious and he was always fun to be around. Olen was and is loved by so many. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on thru those of us who knew and loved him. Much Love for the family.
#ForeverMarket21
Annie conley
November 4, 2022, 9:14 pm
I’m Annie Conley. Olen was my manager at sams club Duluth ga . 8166. He was an awesome person.loved grilling for us at 8166.there haven’t been a manager yet that could fill his shoes. Rest in peace my dear friend. I want ever forget he named me sunshine.love always. Annie.
Annie Conley.
November 4, 2022, 9:19 pm
With my deepest condolences. Im sorry from the bottom of my heart. Take your rest We love you, but god love you more.you are the greatest.❤️❤️
Mary Barber
November 4, 2022, 11:01 pm
Rodney and Becky so sorry for the family’s loss my prayers for them. Love you and Rodney
Sue
Jerry Gorski
November 5, 2022, 2:27 am
My condolences to the Holston Family. I worked with Olen for many years at Sam’s Club. He was a great friend to our family, an outstanding individual, and a person that was genuinely concerned about other people. His laugh was contagious. He will be greatly missed! Jerry and Becky Gorski
Bennie and Josephine Arnold
November 5, 2022, 3:53 pm
Rodney, we send our sincere condolences to you and the entire family of Olen. May God bless you all with the strength to bear with this terrible loss.
Janette Klein
November 5, 2022, 7:29 pm
Olen,
RIP I’m so sad to hear of your passing. You had the best smile and the biggest heart!!! God bless your friends and family.
Lynn Brandin Sr.
November 16, 2022, 10:14 pm
Rodney, sorry to hear about your son. Keeping the family in our prayers.
Lynn And Dee Brandin
Kristopher J Long
July 10, 2023, 5:32 pm
Sorry to hear. I knew him from Sam’s Club since 2017.