Joseph Holliman

Joseph aÌ‚â‚Å“Williamâ₝ Holliman, at age 95, left behind those who loved and cared for him to begin a new life in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 1, 2008. Mr. Holliman was born in Gulfport, Mississippi on August 22, 1912 to John and Meccolena Holliman. He was a faithful and devoted son.
Mr. Holliman was a prestigious graduate of the Mississippi Normal College (now known as The University of Southern Mississippi) where he received a bacheloraÌ‚â‚â„¢s degree in History. He also earned a bacheloraÌ‚â‚â„¢s degree in Library Science from Louisiana State University, a masteraÌ‚â‚â„¢s degree in History from the University of Alabama and completed substantial work towards a Ph.D. He was an educator, librarian and historian who was beloved by his students, colleagues and administrators. He served on faculty at St. Martin High School in Jackson County and East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi.
Mr. Holliman, a WWII veteran, was a patriot who loved and faithfully served his country. He joined the US Naval Armed Guard in 1943 and was commissioned as Lieutenant in 1944. Based out of San Diego, CA, he served in the Pacific theatre visiting such places as Guam, Port Apra, Eniwetok, Guadalcanal, the Philippine Islands, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Balboa, Cristobal, and the Panama Canal. During his service he was commanding officer aboard the USS John Drew and SS John Morton, and base commander of the US Naval Signal Station in Burwood, LA during its decommissioning. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, as well as the American Theatre of War, Asiatic-Pacific Area, and the WWII Victory Medals. At the end of WWII he was honorably discharged and he returned to his native home in Gulfport.
Mr. Holliman was a faithful and founding member of the Fountain of Life Tabernacle Church in Lyman, MS. He was well respected as a Christian whose kind, gentle spirit will be greatly missed. His favorite themes of Christianity were kindness and love for the fellow man, traits he demonstrated throughout his life.
Mr. Holliman, a lifelong bachelor, was preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings: Johnnie, Jimmy, Clifton, Sim, Leroy, Oliver, Avon, Frances Goodman, Theodeausa Bond, and Nona Holliman. He is survived by one sister, Gulfport native, Rev. Anneitta aÌ‚â‚Å“Annaâ₝ Banks, whom he loving referred to as aÌ‚â‚Å“The Baby.â₝ Anna has remained a devoted sister, providing and overseeing the care of her brother during his latter years. Additionally, he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation services for Mr. Joseph aÌ‚â‚Å“Williamâ₝ Holliman will be Saturday, July 5, 2008, from 12-2 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2pm. Interment will follow at the Dobson-Holliman Cemetery, O'Neal Road, Gulfport.
A guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com