of Cave Springs, AR
January 3, 1947 - March 7, 2026
Gary Lynn Holliman, age 79 of Cave Springs, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born in Montgomery, Missouri on January 3rd, 1947 to Coy A. Holliman and Bernice Doerr Holliman.
Gary served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam War veteran who earned a Bronze Star and 2 Purple hearts for his valor. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1965 and went on to attend Arkansas Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and began his teaching and coaching career. Gary spent over 40 years working across Arkansas and Missouri as a beloved basketball coach and teacher. In retirement, his love for basketball took him traveling all over the region to watch games and former students coach. His other passion in life was the game of golf. You could find Gary on the course many days a week making memories with dear friends. His dream come true was his precious granddaughter Presley. Pop would bring her breakfast and drop by several times a day to love on her. The greatest joy and highlight of Gary's life was his family. His presence in their lives will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Cuchia and husband Chris of Rogers; grandchildren, Presley Cuchia and Jacob Cuchia, both of Rogers; one sister, Brenda Grinder of Fort Smith; nephew, Jeff Grinder and wife Terri of Tontitown; niece, Jill Rodgers and husband Richie of Alma; great nephew, Macoy Grinder; great niece, Aspen Polk and husband Brayden; great great niece, Wrenlee Polk; and many family members, former students and good friends who will also mourn his passing.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Bernice Holliman; and brother-in-law, Roy Grinder.
Funeral services for Gary will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Brother Darin Holliman officiating. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 AM preceding the service. Burial will be in Rock Creek Cemetery where Gary will be laid to rest with military honors. Pall Bearers will be Jeff Grinder, Macoy Grinder, Dion Hargrove, Jacob Cuchia, Joe Carl Sullivan, Rich Watts, Isaac Watts and Jason Watts. Honorary pall bearers will be Dan Sharp, Pat McClelland, and Barton Hunter.
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36 Condolence(s)
Ron and Sharon RoCh
Friday, March 13, 2026
Jennifer and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
We are praying for you and your family and saying a special prayer for sweet Presley.
Rick Padgett
Thursday, March 12, 2026
I was proud to play for Coach Holliman at Plainview, He demanded a lot, but loved us like his on. One of the best memories I have was when we were running full court sprints at the end of a long practice. When we finished he called me out onto the court and put his arm around me. He said "Son, you are one of the hardest workers I've had. Good things happen to those who work hard."
That was a proud moment for me and I never forgot it. Thank you Coach for believing in me.
Chief Rick Padgett, Danville Police Dept. / Assistant Fire Chief Danville Fire & Rescue / EMT
Yell County Quorum Court Justice of the Peace 4th Term - New Yell County Sheriff Elect
Sandra Eaton Rabey
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Brenda and family, I am so sorry to find out about Gary. We all had lots of fun with Gary. I remember when he would come out to our house to see my brother (Roy Eaton). My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Kelly Davis
Thursday, March 12, 2026
I was a High School student from 1975-77 in Russellville, where a young coach named Gary Holliman had arrived. He not only coached many of us in basketball, but football and other areas of the school. Most importantly, he taught us about life! He will be missed. Prayers and thoughts for the family during this time.
Bobbi Fulbright
Thursday, March 12, 2026
My husband, Wally, served in Vietnam with Gary. They became dear friends. They both carried radios and would reach out to each other “Holly Holly Holly, this is Wally Wally Wally!” Wally was told that Gary had died in a car accident when he returned to the states from Vietnam, which he believed until Gary called early in the morning about 15years ago, saying “Wally Wally Wally, this is Holly Holly Holly!” Time stopped. They cried, they laughed and they planned to meet at the Ivy Dragoons reunion. Gary was waiting in the hotel lobby when we arrived. These two men embraced and were so happy to see each other. Their greeting captivated the room! So emotional and wonderful. I’m proud to say that Gary became my friend too, always calling, sharing, laughing, remembering. He and Wally are probably telling some tall tales together right now. I will miss you, my friend.
Ted Wilkening
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
One of the very best coaches ever and a great person as well. RIP my good friend.
Bob and Janice Fallacara
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
I will miss him so much, coming next door multiple times a day to visit and bring treats and love to Jennifer, Chris, Jacob and Little Miss Presley every day! He always had time to get out of his car and visit with me. I hope it brings comfort to you to know that He is at peace now with our Lord and Savior. Praying for you all. 🙏
Janice Fallacara
Roy Eaton
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
My deepest sympathy to Gary’s family. Have a lot of great memories of playing basketball with him in high school. Prayers.
Earl Hendrix
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gary a great basketball player. I'm a Vietnam vet also. I was stationed at Fort Ord and maybe I think you were also. You sure could kiss it off the glass. My heart goes out to your family in this time of loss. RIP!@
Ty May
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Will always be one of the best coaches and friends I’ve ever had, all the memories I have of you are the best coach
Mike Van Dyke
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gary was a guy once you met him and got to know him , you became friends for life. He had a smile and laugh that was one of a kind.
May God keep him and hold him and prayers the family will remember the stories he loved to tell.
Mike Van Dyke
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gary was a guy once you met him and got to know him , you became friends for life. He had a smile and laugh that was one of a kind.
May God keep him and hold him and prayers the family will remember the stories he loved to tell.
Bev Treat
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Jennifer & Family: You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for the hurt in your heart. It’s so hard to lose your loved ones. Take time to read Isaiah 57:1
I love you all very much!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Adam Jones
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gary was a great man always fun to play golf with.He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.
RIP Coach
Dennis osburn
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gonna miss ole Hard Times.
Amy Gibson
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Gary was the kindest soul who always made you feel special he was the reason I loved basketball he used to bring me posters from Dr.J and other players I always looked up to Gary and will miss him so my prayers are with all the family
HUBERT D LAMBERT JR
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Coach Holliman was my teacher and defense line coach in 1974-1977 at Russellville HS. I have fond memories of him from that time period. Condolences to his family.
Jeremy Rainey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Gary was always a joy to be around he loved his friends and family. Gary was the most appreciative person I ever met. Gary wasn’t just a friend he was a father and always treated me as his own son. Every time we talked he would say love ya son. Gary will be missed.
William Fredrick
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Prayers and condolences to the family, you can't think about casa high school and not have a memory of coach holliman not being in any of them
Lynda and Patrick McClelland
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Our brother Gary will always be remembered as a heart of gold who wore loafers without socks. Patrick and Gary days in Vietnam left an impact on them both, so much so, there weren't many days that they didn't have a phone call. I can hear his voice now, "Hello brother." Another saying, "We're going to do, but we're not going to do right." Another, "Bless her heart."
Memories. That's all we got right now. Yet, they will remain with us forever.
Rest well, brother. Job well done, you good and faithful servant.
Brenda, Julie, et al, we love you. We know Presley was Gary's pride and joy. We hug you all real tight and hope that you can find solace during these turbulent times. Take real good care of yourselves. There is so much to be proud of regarding your brother, father, and grandfather. We love you all.
Clara Foshee
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Prayers of comfort for family and friends, he was a good classmate
Kristie Dawson
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I will always remember Gary has having a personality that was a big as the world, with Jokes and laughs along with a huge heart. He is the reason I was always a 280zx fan.
I pray for all that knew and loved him.
Denny
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I’m from Yellville and when we played Marshall in basketball I would have to guard him. He was one of the best shooters ever in high school. We started college together at ASTC and continued friends at Russellville high school. Lots of fun memories. Rest in peace
Joe Graham
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Gary & I coached together at Conway High School for a few years back in the day. But Gary had been a great friend long before that. We shared alot of great times together. May the Lord give his family peace & comfort during this difficult time.
Kerry Cunningham
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss... He was a great coach and friend. I always enjoyed his stories and his laugh.
Tammy janssen
Monday, March 9, 2026
He was such a great coach and man. I have fond memories of him mentoring us in high school. He impacted so many kids in our small community of Casa.
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Monday, March 9, 2026
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Betty Wade
Monday, March 9, 2026
So sorry for your loss. I remember when Gary & Brenda were in school. May God carry you all through this valley & bring you peace beyond understanding.
Love & prayers
Danny n Brenda Robertson
Monday, March 9, 2026
We all loved him. He was such a great guy
Danny n Brenda Robertson
Monday, March 9, 2026
We all loved him. He was such a great guy
Sheila Douglas
Monday, March 9, 2026
Always liked Gary. Graduated high school with him. I have only seen him since at our class reunions. May he rest in peace and my condolances to his family and friends. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Sam Hale
Monday, March 9, 2026
May the God of peace be comforting to all during this time of mourning sorrow!
Karen Kay Balentine Knight
Monday, March 9, 2026
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. Gary was one of the GOOD guys.
Sandra Haney
Monday, March 9, 2026
My Sympathy and Prayers are with the Family .
Betty Brixey
Monday, March 9, 2026
Prayers and condolences to the family.
John and Sharon James
Monday, March 9, 2026
When we moved to Harriet Gary was a teenager living in the community. I had the pleasure of working with his mom for many years at Flint-Rock. I kept up with Gary's advance through college, the military and then his career in teaching. All I can say is Gary you done good made Bernice proud. Our sympathy to Holliman family at this time.