Charles Henry Holland

Charles Henry Holland, 75, of Abilene, TX, formerly of Valdosta, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. Mr. Holland (Charlie) was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 21, 1932 to the late Charles and Irene Kohler Holland.

He was a Master Baker and Consultant in Research/Development and the Manufacturing of Cookies, Crackers, Snack Items and Sweets for numerous bakeries. Mr. Holland started his career working for Burry Biscuits in New Jersey and was transferred to California where he graduated from Fullerton College. He became the youngest Vice President of Operations for Sunshine Biscuits in New York City. He later worked for Consolidated Biscuit Company in McComb, OH, Kellogg's in Pikeville, KY, Flowers, Inc. in Plant City, FL, Stauffer's Laguna Bakery in Santa Ana, CA, Turnbull Cone Bakery in Chattanooga, TN, Fehr Foods in Abilene, TX and Blue Bell Creameries in Brennan, TX where he received a grant from Blinn College to teach Baking and Manufacturing. In 1973, Mr. Holland came to Crackin' Good Bakers (Winn Dixie) in Valdosta as plant Manager and later became President/General Manager. During his years in Valdosta he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch as well as the Boys and Girls Club, a member of the Valdosta Country Club, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He was of the Catholic faith. During his career, he served as President of B&CMA (Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturing Association) and President of the CASBA (The Cookie and Snack Baking Association).

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Susan Akridge Holland of Valdosta, a son and daughter-in-law, Charles (Chuck) and Anna Holland of West Chester, PA; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Jack Mergott of Bridgewater, NJ, Cynthia and Larry Saparito of Flemington, NJ; sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Cathy Holland of North Plainfield, NJ, and Christopher and Pegeen Holland of Flemington, NJ; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Martha Holland of South Carolina, Thomas and Shirley Holland of Flemington, NJ, Ron and Kim Holland of Bethlahamn Township, PA; a sister and brother-in-law, Renee and Don Malowitz of Clinton, NJ; mother-in-law, Mrs. Ernestine Griffin Akridge; sister-in-law, Debra Akridge Davis; and a special nephew, Sean Michael Davis all of Valdosta; numerous other nieces and nephews.

Services for Charles Henry Holland will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Father Dan O'Connell officiating. The burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Mr. Holland's name. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602