Elgar Linwood Holland, Jr.

Elgar Linwood Holland, Jr., fondly called “Junior” or “Linwood” by family members and close friends, was born January 22, 1944 to the late Elgar and Blanche Holland.  He departed this life Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Georgetown University Hospital and began his journey toward eternal life. 

Linwood attended Montgomery County Maryland Public Schools and later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Company D, 6th Battalion, 2nd Regiment. After his discharge from the Army, Linwood owned and operated his mowing business for many years and worked in the Montgomery County Maryland Public School system as a building services manager until he retired.

Linwood and Constance “Connie” Bertha entered into marriage on December 14, 1969. They were married for 42 years and raised four children: Christopher Bailey of Baltimore, MD; Elgar Linwood Holland III (deceased); David Holland of Laurel, MD; and James McKenzie of Odenton, MD. Linwood was a loving, devoted husband and father.  He was an attentive, supportive caregiver to his wife, Connie, throughout her very long illness. He loved his sons unconditionally and taught them by example to be young men of good character and integrity.  He instilled in them that “Your word is your bond.” 

God was the most important entity in Linwood’s life. Linwood was a lifelong, faithful member of the Good Hope Union United Methodist Church and dedicated his life to serving God and others. He was considered the “gatekeeper” of the church and was instrumental in organizing and participating in various church activities, including being a member of the trustees, the Men’s Choir, Van Drivers Team, the Christmas Carolers, Men’s Visiting Team, the Audio-Visual Team, the Men’s Prayer Group, the Agape Bible Study, and the Sunday Morning Parking Lot Greeters. He also provided wheelchair assistance for the elderly, led mission projects, assisted with building maintenance and coordinated trips for youth and family with the annual snow tubing trip being his favorite. Linwood was a pillar of faith and an inspiration to all who knew him. His daily objective in life was to always make someone else have a better day.

Remembered as a kind-hearted person and for his generous spirit, Linwood was admired by all who knew him and was “everything to everyone.” Linwood leaves to cherish his memory the following: three sons, Christopher Bailey, David Holland (Christina), and James McKenzie; five grandchildren, Justin White (Nichole), Anthony Jangha, Christian Trapp, Jalen Holland, Tatiana Holland; two brothers, Elmore Holland and Elwood Holland (Delores); four sisters, Geraldine Carter (Junius), Mary Rawley, Carmelita Johnson (Garfield), and Audrey Dillon (Carl); and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Pearl Randolph, who passed on November 22, 1993, his son, Elgar Linwood Holland, III (Scooter), who passed on June 15, 1997; his wife, Connie, who passed on November 20, 2011 and his sister, Lenora, who passed on October 6, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Hope Union United Methodist Church, 14680 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Linwood contributed to several charities. A donation in memory of Elgar Linwood Holland Jr. may be sent to any of the following: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org); Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org); In Touch Ministries (www.intouch.org); Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.org) and Southwest Reservation Aid (www.swraprogram.org).

“A Father Gone”

Gone is a father loved by all,

His soul is now at rest.

He’ll sleep in peace; his work is done,

A father’s work, the best.

He’ll know the joy of perfect rest

In heaven up above,

Where he may dwell contently

Protected by God’s love.

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