Herman Levester Holley

Mr. Herman Levester Holley, beloved father, granddad, great-granddad, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 18, 2025, at McGregor Downs Health Center in Greenville, North Carolina. He was 75 years old. Born on August 6, 1950, in Merry Hill, NC, Herman was the oldest son of thirteen siblings born to the late Leroy and Lucille Holley. From a young age, Herman demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility that would guide his life’s journey. He gave his life to Christ early and became a member of Ashland Baptist Church in Merry Hill. After graduating from C.G. White High School in Powellsville, NC, Herman proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, where he served his country honorably for twenty years. His military service took him and his family across the globe, including multiple assignments in Phoenix, AZ, Goldsboro, NC, and in Germany. He and his family also had the opportunity to travel to Spain, Belgium, and France, which he cherished deeply. His final tour was in Phoenix, where he retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant. On August 19, 1972, Herman married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Rachel Cofield, who lived only minutes from his childhood home. Together they shared more than thirty wonderful years of marriage and raised two loving children: Deon and Cory. Herman was the loving father to a daughter also, Angela Pittman. Following his retirement from the military, Herman worked at Motorola for several years before returning home to North Carolina to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship. He launched a successful cleaning service business that not only served his community but also provided employment opportunities to others. Later, working alongside his nephew Rudolph Mebane Jr., Herman became a real estate agent, continuing his life’s work of helping others—this time in achieving home ownership. Herman was a true pillar of strength for his family and community. Known for his generous heart, infectious laugh, and unshakable support, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His spirit touched everyone he met, and his laughter could light up a room and warm a heart. Many of us knew him by his nicknames: Boozie, Herman L., Uncle Boozie, Uncle B., Joe Cool. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Allie Pearl Holley and Roy Holley. Herman leaves to cherish his memory; his three children: Angela Pittman of Chesapeake, VA; Deon (Sandy) Holley of Mesa, AZ; and Cory (Renee) Holley, also of Mesa, AZ. He is also survived by five devoted brothers: Jerry Holley of Raleigh, NC; Kenneth (Belinda) Holley of Wake Forest, NC; William Holley of Greenville, NC; Leon Holley of Richmond, VA; and Kelvin (Jacquet) Holley of Raleigh, NC. His four loving sisters include Edna (Roy) Long of Edenton, NC; Janet/Joan (Johnny) Robbins of Bowie, MD; Connie Holley of Windsor, NC; Lucretia Holley of Merry Hill, NC; and Cynthia Holley of Raleigh, NC. Also to cherish his memories are two special cousins who have been brothers in the family: Henry (Sarah) Holley of Merry Hill, NC, and Leroy (Louise) Holley of Merry Hill, NC, and a best friend, Khadijah Rasulullah. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Though Herman's physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy of love, service, laughter, and unwavering support lives on in all who knew and loved him. "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Herman Levester Holley

August 6, 1950 - October 18, 2025