Joseph Philip Holland was born November 7, 1929, in Columbus, Georgia to the late Alfonzia Holland Sr. and Carrie B. Tramble.  He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church.

He and his family moved to Portland, Oregon seeking professional success and he graduated from Radcliff High School in 1946. He immediately enlisted in the Army and began a 21-year career that had him travel to Korea, Japan, Germany, and many posts in the United States.  As one of the first African American Army helicopter pilots, he flew and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and for Presidential detail flights. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation medal.

He made Granger Court in Hampton his home in 1964. Joseph retired at 1967 from Fort Eustis and he joined the US Postal Service. He attended Hampton Institute where he received a BA in Accounting. Following graduation, Joseph went to work for the US General Accounting Office, serving 17 years. He then then moved to the Army Audit Agency where he was employed for three years. These positions afforded him two additional tours in Germany -- supporting his extensive travel throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

After retiring with 20 years of civil service, he worked for 5 additional years with York County for a third retirement.

Mr. Holland was a well-respected and strong leader, extremely active in the community. He was one of the founders and a Past President of the United States Army Black Aviators Association, a lifetime member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the first President of the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens and an Elder of the Aberdeen Gardens Historic and Civic Association. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church, Newport News, VA for over 50 years and served as a Sunday school teacher, an Usher and as a Deacon. He loved to fish, travel, read and was famous for his chopped barbeque and ribs with slaw sauce.

He was happily married to the late Thelma C. Ivey Holland for 60 years. Mr. Holland's parents, one brother Alfonzia Holland Jr. and a sister, Annie B. Holland preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Mamie Carter of Portland, Oregon, 3 daughters, Gloria Batten of Newport News, Thelma Barker (Bill) of Manassas City, VA, Sonya Holland of Woodbridge, VA one son, Rodney Holland of McDonough, GA, 2 grandchildren (Tess, Jaelen), 4 great-grandchildren (Sheldon, Breianna, Justyn, Brandi), 2 great, great-grandchildren (Kassidi, Abrielle) and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to name.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m., on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Zion Baptist Church, 633 20 ^th Street, Newport News, VA. Interment will be held in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at a later date.  Viewing will be from 3-6p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.