John Isaac Holley

John Isaac Holley, 87, of Millington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on August 2, 2025.

Born on December 12, 1937, in his family home in Millington, John grew up working on the family farm—feeding livestock and milking cows before and after school, as well as on weekends. He attended Sandwich Community High School, where he participated in track and football. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Judith Mae Griswold of Sandwich.

After high school, John entered the United States Army, completing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later serving at Fort Bliss, Texas. While stationed at Fort Bliss, John married Judith on June 14, 1958, in a ceremony held in Elgin, Illinois.

Following his honorable discharge, John and Judy returned to Millington, where he worked as a carpenter. Together, they built a home and a life filled with family and hard work—raising their children in the very house he constructed.

John is survived by his brother Bill of North Carolina; his wife of 67 years, Judy, of Millington; his daughter Roberta Holley of Sandwich; son Tim (Kathleen) Holley of McKinney, Texas; and son Doug (Sherry) Holley of Millington. He also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Michael Holley of Millington, Jennifer Holley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Connie Holley of Millington, Samantha (Jason) Williams of Aurora, Colorado and Nathan Holley of Sandwich—as well as numerous great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Gertrude Holley of Millington; his brother Bob of Tampa, Florida; and his sister Betty of St. Charles, Illinois.

John’s greatest joy was spending time with family. Many summer weekends were spent camping with friends and loved ones, and he cherished family trips to South Dakota, Colorado, and Utah. For many years, John and his family spent their summers enjoying time together at a lakeside resort in Danbury, Wisconsin, creating memories that will live on through generations. His quiet strength, steady hands, and deep devotion to family defined a life well lived and deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Millington-Newark Cemetery or Millington United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A funeral service will take place next day, Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with graveside services to follow out to Millington-Newark Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com