Bro. Thomas Lewis Holiday

Thomas Lewis Holiday, 90, was born on February 24,1935 in Riverton, Alabama, to the late Hezekiah Holiday and Mary Johnson Holiday.

He peacefully departed this life on February 8, 2026, in Aubrey, Texas.

On June 5, 1955, Thomas married the love of his life, Marie Yvette Robinson Holiday.

Their beautiful union spanned 69 years, a testament to enduring love and devotion. His beloved wife preceded him in death in February 2025.

Thomas graduated from Cherokee High School in the Class of 1952, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football and baseball.

Following graduation, Thomas entered the workforce and later retired from Ford Motor Company in 1984 and General Motors in 1995.

In June 1967, Thomas became a member of the Cherokee Church of Christ, he went on to serve as minister of Cherokee Church of Christ for 18 years. In 1985 he accepted the position of minister at the Westside Church of Christ in Florence, AL, where he served as minister for 18 years. He also served as an elder at the Eastside Church of Christ (formerly Westside) for seven years and taught bible class for 25 years, continuing his steadfast commitment to shepherding and strengthening the church.

Thomas pursued higher education at International Bible College (now Heritage Christian University), earning his Bachelor of Arts degree on May 4, 1985. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 1991 and was the first African American member of the University’s Board of Directors for more than ten years. In 2014, Heritage Christian University (HCU) presented Thomas with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in appreciation for his exemplary service to the kingdom. He received the HCU Founders award in 2020. In 2023, the largest section of resources within the Overton Memorial Library was named the Thomas and Marie Holiday Biblical Studies Collection.

In addition to his stellar service to Heritage Christian University, Thomas also received an Honorary Doctor of Religious Education degree from Midwestern Christian Institute on May 27, 1995.

During his service on the Board of Directors of Sterring Federal Credit Union, he was named the 1990 Credit Union League Volunteer of the Year for the state of Alabama.

Furthermore, he faithfully contributed to numerous foundations and endeavors; to include, raising scholarship funds for Southwestern Christian College (Terrell, TX), Foreign Ministry Evangelism, Freed-Hardeman University, etc.

Beyond his ministry and educational service, Thomas was deeply involved in his community. He was a devoted member of the Cherokee Lions Club and received the Milestone Chevron Award for 25 years of service. He also served as a City Councilman for the City of Cherokee and dedicated many years to the Cherokee Library Board. Though Thomas earned numerous honors and distinctions, he was most devoted to his faith, his family, and his church. He worked tirelessly to assist the sick and elderly and was known for his warm spirit. Outgoing and kind, he never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. And when he was not serving the Lord or his community, you could often find him at a domino table—playing the game he loved until his final days. He leaves to cherish his memory four children: Teresa Thompson; Belinda Fears (husband Clarence, deceased); Constance Simmons; and Thomas Holiday (Keisa). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters Carlean Humes and Johnnie Mae Cooper; special sisters-in-law Ann Holiday and Bessie Robinson Lloyd; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles Holiday, Dexter Holiday, Henry Holiday, and Millert Holiday; and grandson Marcus Thompson.

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