Richard L Holliday

For Everything There is a Season and A Time for Every Matter Under
Heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
He works out all things according to the counsel of His will... Ephesians 1 :ll(ESV)

A Time to be Born...
Richard Leon Holliday was the first born child to Earl and Naomi Holliday in Cleveland, Ohio on June 17, 1940. His parents preceded him in death, as well as, his only brother, Gregory.

A Time to Die...
Richard made his transition to his eternal home on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

A Time to Plant...
Richard was baptized and accepted the Lord into his life at an early age. In his early years, he attended Calvary Hill Baptist Church. He later went on to join Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, where he served as an usher until his health prevented him from active participation. Richard's spiritually developed over the years as he recognized the many blessings in his life. His love for the Lord prompted this response when asked "How are you?" his reply was always "I'm Blessed!" In his final days, he said "We are just going to wait on the Lord." Richard truly knew God was ordering his steps.

A Time to Build ...
Richard was a product of the Cleveland Public Schools and attended East Tech High School. After high school, he was drafted to serve his country as a veteran in the United States Army during the Vietnam War Crisis. He was trained as a teletype operator. After Richard's Honorary Discharge, he acted on a "whim" and took a test to work for the Ford Motor Company. The smile on his mother's face when he presented his first paycheck to her; made him realize that financially his "whim" paid off. As a Ford employee, he advanced into the Skilled Trades Department, from which he retired in 2003, after working 38 years with the company.

A Time to Love...
There were two distinct sides to Richard, also known as "Doc" Holliday; that combined to make him a loveable person to all that met him. His personality allowed him to never meet a stranger. One side was a wise, caring man who made a point to talk, listen and learn from others, with hopes of broadening his own and other's knowledge. Then there was the playful, romantic side, the side that always "lit up" when he talked about his wife, "P" (Paulette) whom he married on August 7, 1993. He loved to plan "surprises" for her. The unselfish act of planning the birthday limousine evening for a select group of her friends will always hold a special place in her heart.

Richard was very committed to family. He provided great emotional and "father-like" support to his brother, Gregory (deceased), his dear daughter, Melissa Sanders, his cousins Daron Cross and Raymond Johnson. He was a father-figure that showed love, compassion, wisdom and wit.

A Time to Serve...
Richard enjoyed spending time with his Masonic brothers. He joined the Prince Hall Masonic Order and became a member of Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120 in 1970. He was an active member of El Hasa Temple #28. "Noble Holliday" supported the Sportsman Club and the Marching Patrol until his health brought about limitations on his involvement. As a Shriner, he enjoyed traveling to the annual Imperial Sessions. He was a big cheerleader for the El Hasa Marching Patrol during competition time. He achieved the 32 degree level of the Masonic Order and received distinction as an Honorary Past Imperial Potentate.

A Time to Embrace....
Richard was a fun loving type of guy with a sense of humor that could make you laugh, even when you tried to be serious.

Richard had a great love of music. In his early years at Ford, he acted as a part- time DJ, making late runs to Akron, OH to "spin" records that set the stage for individuals on the dance floor. He was also "smooth" on his feet as a dancer. Richard enjoyed bowling as a hobby and collected several trophies for his high rolling skills.
Richard loved to travel as well. His travels expanded the globe from the
U.S. toEurope and across the waters to West Africa. He took his first dialysis cruise to the islands of Hawaii.

As a kidney dialysis patient for 14 years, Richard dabbled in art therapy during his treatment time. He often had his creative pieces on display in the CDC-East showcase. With his gift to gab, he often shared his medical journey with patients, helping them realize there could be life beyond dialysis. As a tribute to his spiritual wealth and healing; his playful spirit helped others struggling with this medical challenge. During his latter hospital stay, he became the floor entertainment; singing songs from the past or just making up the lines as he serenaded "P" during her daily visits. As a proud and appreciative husband; he was eager to share how much his wife loved and cared for him during his illness. He professed his love with his favorite song line "I still love you, just like I did before"; these words will always live in Paulette's heart.

A Time to Weep and a Time to Mourn...
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Paulette, his dear daughter Melissa Sanders, devoted cousins Diane Cross, Daron Cross (Annie), Eugene Cross (Ranzel), Andre Cross, Sherman Scott, Irving Scott, Raymond Johnson, Harry Bruce; loyal friends Richard Holland, Abdul Ghani, Frank Stewart, Lorenzo Rashid, Les Riggins, Eddie Gregory, Raymond Sallee, Steven Curtis, Stephen Adams, Ennis Johnson, and Phillip Shepherd as well as a hosts of caring cousins, supportive Masonic family members and treasured friends.

"We hold you tightly within our hearts And there you will remain
Until the joyous day arrives That we will meet again."

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