In Memory of Lucius Holloway, Sr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a loving husband, dedicated father, distinguished Army Veteran, determined Civil Rights Advocate, faithful public servant, a benevolent man of God and my friend of longstanding, Deacon Lucius Holloway, Sr. Sadly, Deacon Holloway transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, November 24, 2022. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Cooper Carver Elementary School in Dawson, Georgia.

The remarkable journey of Deacon Lucius Holloway, Sr. began on April 1, 1932, as he was born to the union of Mr. Bobby Holloway, Sr. and Mrs. Mary Louise Thornton Holloway in Dawson, Georgia.

Deacon Holloway was educated in the Terrell County School System. He received his Auto Body and Frame Construction certification from the Albany Vocational Technical College in Albany, Georgia.

He was married to his beloved wife and life partner, the late Emma Kate Holloway, for 60 years and they built a life of service and advocacy for humankind.

Armed with a servant's heart, Deacon Holloway gave of himself to serve our country for three years of active duty in the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired as a Staff Sergeant after serving 22 years in the Army National Guard. His professional journey also took him to Delco Remy and Delphi, where he retired after 18 years of service.

Deacon Holloway was a committed freedom fighter for the cause of justice and equality. He truly believed in the words that Dr. King penned from the Birmingham Jail: ``Injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere.'' Deacon Holloway was one of Terrell County's most influential Civil Rights activists, always speaking up for the voiceless and the hopeless. He was always concerned about African Americans exercising their rights as American citizens through the ballot box. Deacon Holloway engaged in many voter registration drives and mass meetings during his lifetime.

His advocacy did not come without great cost to him and his family. Deacon Holloway had to endure many challenges during his Civil Rights advocacy, including having the gas line at his house cut during a cold day in the 1960s because he housed Freedom Riders and members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at his home. He was also arrested; he and his family were threatened, and a cross was burned in his front yard. But through all these indignities, he never wavered in his support for the cause of Civil and Human Rights.

His relationship with the NAACP is long and storied. Deacon Holloway became the first Vice President of the Terrell County Branch in 1955. He served as Vice President for 65 years and President for one year. Deacon Holloway cemented his commitment by becoming a lifetime member of the organization that he had given so much to for so long.

Deacon Holloway was also a committed public servant. He served on the Terrell County Board of Commissioners for 27 years, retiring in January of this year. Deacon Holloway was a tireless advocate for his constituents, constantly pushing to do the right thing for those that he represented.

Most importantly, Deacon Holloway was a man of God who allowed Him to order his steps. He began his walk with Christ at an early age, first fellowshipping with the saints at County Line Missionary Baptist Church in Sasser, Georgia. In 1956, his Christian journey continued when he became a member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia where he served faithfully in many capacities, including as Ordained Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Adult Sunday School Teacher and Vice Treasurer of Finance.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh once said that ``Only when a tree has fallen can you take the measure of it. It is the same with a man.'' A great tree has fallen, and we can all agree that we can take the measure of this great man for the great things he has done to uplift humanity.

Deacon Lucius Holloway, Sr. achieved countless successes in his life. But none would have been possible with the grace of God and love and support of his dearly departed wife of 60 years, Emma Kate Holloway, his five children, one of whom preceded him in death, and his eleven grandchildren.

On a personal note, Deacon Holloway was my friend. He always supported and encouraged me with his wise counsel and sage advice. He will be sorely missed, but the world is better because of him.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the 2nd District in honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Deacon Lucius Holloway, Sr. for his service to God, his country and humanity and in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who mourn his loss. May they be consoled and comforted by their faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

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