In the early morning of January 9, 2022, William ”Allen” Holloway of Paragould left this world to reunite with the loved ones that traveled before him.
On August 8, 1952, Valmon and Eva Holloway gave birth to their eighth child, William Allen Holloway in Batesville, Arkansas. Throughout his life he would make special reference to the number ”8”, as it was his birthdate, weight, and place in line at the kitchen table. Allen was born to a large, but very tight-knit family. Given the size of the family, there was never much distinction between relation to cousins and siblings. This created a recipe for a bounty of love, laughs and endless stories.
Allen loved spending time doing all outdoor activities with his brothers. Hunting, fishing, and camping were frequently enjoyed by the entire bunch. Performing music was the passion that lit up his soul. No event or gathering felt complete until everyone had circled around him enthralled by watching his talent at work. Allen played guitar, bass, banjo, and harmonica all while belting out some of the most beautiful lyrics we would ever hear. A talent he was born with, a gift that he perfected and a sound that will live on in our hearts forever.
Allen cherished being a father and a Paw-paw to all of his girls. He made it no secret that he preferred ”the ladies” and that was what he got! Throughout the later years of his life, he found peace and happiness surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters. There were weekends and holidays filled with funny memories, dancing, and singing. He will be greatly missed by us all and we will be listening for his voice in the beauty of the world that he left behind.
Survivors include his three daughters, Allison Holloway, Kimberlee Graves, Ashly (Chris) West; four granddaughters, Naya Holloway, Alana Holloway, Chesoney Pillow, Emma West; one grandson Levi West and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Valmon Holloway and Eva Mae Burns Holloway; one infant son D.J. Holloway; four brothers, Rayburn, Charles, Valmon Jennings, and Franklin Holloway; four sisters, Doris Neiderbrach, Verlene Johnson, Marella Files, and Idie Bernice Holloway.
Pallbearers are Chris West, Tim Lockett, Darrell West, Levi West, Richard Johnson, and Scotty Johnson.
Graveside Services will be held Friday, January 14, 2022, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Cushman at 2:00 pm with Darrell West officiating.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville.
