John Conway Holden

John Conway Holden, 67, of Prince George, Virginia, died on November 17, 2024. Born in Anchorage, Alaska Territory, John was the son of the late Dr. Bobby Glenn Holden and Lillian Estelle Moore Holden. At less than a month old, he was flown from Alaska to be raised in Petersburg, Virginia, in a full house that he helped fill with laughter. He attended the University of Richmond and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, in 1983, with a Bachelor of Science. John undertook a range of endeavors in the course of life, including security at J.M. Fields, where he met his wife, Nancy; as a successful salesman in multiple industries; as a marketer for McCutchan Oil Co.; and as a serial entrepreneur. Among his ventures were Nuts 'n Stuff candy store in Walnut Hill Mall, and a fleet of ice cream trucks, both as family businesses with his wife, oldest son, and niece, Cassie, at the helm. In 1991, he ran a lighthearted campaign for the Virginia Senate in the 16th district, espousing family, local values and integrity— he was soundly rejected. John then committed a 29 year career to civil service, including 19 years as a field agent for the U.S. Census Bureau, and the last 10 years as a teacher for Prince George Public Schools. John answered this call first as a substitute teacher, as a one-on-one special needs support teacher, as a math teacher, and as a coach. He took difficult roles and went where most needed. His students made him very proud, and he called his colleagues 'friends'. John coached sports his whole life, for his church league, his sons' teams, and finally as a teacher. He enjoyed statistically dangerous activities including riding motorcycles, and was a licensed pilot— though he studiously avoided elevators, commercial airplanes, and regular checkups. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Ann Holden; his sons, Robert Allen Holden and wife, Lacey and Bobby Glenn Holden II and wife, Shelby; and grandson, Bennett; his brothers, Jeff Holden and Chris Holden and wife, Meg Holden; his sister, Beth Wilson and husband, Drew Wilson; and his nieces and nephews, whom he adored, Mary Margaret, Harrison, Charlotte, Holden, and Hunter.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church, in Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Heart Association.