Obituary: Richard Gordon Holland

Our beloved Richard, 71, passed away June 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and following a brave battle with lung cancer.

Richard was born July 3, 1947, and raised in Pawtucket, RI. He was the son of the now deceased Maj. Gen. Leonard Holland, longest serving adjutant general in Rhode Island, and wife Bernice. Richard followed in his father’s footsteps when he served proudly in the Army National Guard.

Richard was also preceded in death by the untimely passing of his first wife Terry from cancer. In her memory, he was associated with the American Cancer Society, and received several awards based on his contributions.

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He met his loving wife Pamela in 1977, and she remained by his side from their first moment together. They were married in 1978, and Richard moved to Atlanta. He continued his distinguished career in real estate as he first sold residential and then commercial real estate. He then partnered with Harry Norman, president of Harry Norman Realtors, and together they developed three subdivisions in Dunwoody, Ga. Richard also went on to build two homes for his family. After several years, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and established an executive recruiting firm, the Holland Legal Group, which he presided over as president and legal executive recruiter for more than 25 years.

Throughout his 41 years in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, he displayed a wide range of interests outside of his family, including a deep involvement with Temple Emanu-El, which included being president of the Brotherhood, a member of several committees, a participant in religious and social functions, and even the pitcher for its softball team.

He was an avid fan of the Braves, Falcons, Thrashers and Hawks. He enjoyed traveling, concerts and attending sporting events.

His world revolved around his family: son Scott (Darlene) Holland, daughter Traci (Marc) Loeser, and son Mark Holland; six grandchildren: Leah, Rebecca and Noah Holland, and Emma, Nathan and Sofia Loeser; brothers Glenn Holland and Ron (Arlene) Holland; nephews Ben and Max; and niece Rachael. He was a caring uncle and friend to many.

Richard was a graduate of Suffolk University in Boston and Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta (now Georgia State University).

He was a warm and loving man to all who knew him. Richard will be remembered for his integrity, his smile and laughter, his sense of humor and his devotion to his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or to Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350.