William Ralph Holliman

William Ralph Holliman, 92, passed away on February 20, 2017, after a short illness. Ralph was active, healthy, and fully engaged with his family and life until struck down by a sudden illness 2 weeks before his death. In the days before his illness and admittance to the ICU at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, he and his wife, Laura, attended a performance by the New Christie Minstrels, went shopping at their local Walmart, and watched the Super Bowl the evening he was admitted to the hospital. Ralph was born July 3, 1924, in Irondale, AL, the youngest of seven children. He married Motie Chism at age 18, shortly before he left for service in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. After a few years in the service, Ralph enrolled in Birmingham Southern, thinking maybe he would become a dentist. When he and Motie started their family, he left college and began a career that would last nearly 40 years. Ralph was predeceased by Motie, who died on Feb. 23, 2003, two days after their 60th wedding anniversary. He was also predeceased by his parents, Ulyss and Pearl Holliman; his brothers Melton and Euhal; his sisters Vena, Loudelle, and Virginia. Ralph is survived by his wife, Laura Mills Holliman, whom he married in November 2007, and who provided him with happiness and a great will to live in his later years. Also, he is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Pam Holliman (Terri Heyduk) and Kathy Holliman (Tim Donald); by his beloved granddaughter, Rachel Holliman Harbour, and her spouse, Mohit Gambhir; by his older brother Bishop Holliman; and by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; by his brother-in-law Allen Baker; and by long-time friends. Ralph spent his working years at a national baking company, starting out as an office boy and ascending to vice-president before he retired in his early 60s. His climb on the career ladder meant frequent moves for him and his family. He and Motie spent the final years of his career in Chicago before they retired to Gulf Shores more than 20 years ago. He enjoyed playing golf, reading novels and several newspapers, working in the yard, and taking cruises with Laura. Ralph will be missed by his family and friends. He was a strong and steady presence in their lives, a man who knew his own mind but continued to be open to change. There will be a visitation at 1 pm, Thursday, Feb. 23, at The Coffee Shop, which is part of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church; a funeral service at 2 pm in the church sanctuary; and interment at Pine Rest cemetery in Foley, AL after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to Gulf Shores United Methodist Memorial fund.

William Ralph Holliman

July 3, 1924 - February 20, 2017