Ben L. Holley

Ben L. Holley of Crestview passed away on Wednesday, November 4th 2020 at the age of 81 due to the effects of COVID-19 on his ongoing health issues. He was born on July 16th, 1939 in Florala, AL to Dr. W.E. and Hallie Weeks Holley. He graduated 8th Grade as Valedictorian of Florala City School and then moved with his family to Defuniak Springs, FL, where he graduated from Walton High School in 1957. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1961 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law in 1964.

He moved to Crestview, where he practiced law for 55 years. He was also licensed to practice in Alabama. During his career he served as attorney for First Federal Savings and Loan, he was the Crestview City Attorney for over 30 years, and the Walton County School Board Attorney for 28 years. He truly enjoyed his work and the people he met along the way.

His greatest loves were his family, quail and dove hunting, fishing, his many dogs, and the decades he spent eating breakfast every day at the Tropical Palm with his breakfast buddies, past and present. He was an avid Florida Gator and SEC football fan. He was known as one of the best shots with a shotgun in North Florida.

Ben was Baptist by faith. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Pam Cooley Holley of Crestview, FL, daughter Angie Holley Desmond, her husband Sean, and grandchildren Kevin and Kristen Desmond, of Tallahassee, FL, brother Dr. Edward Holley (Barbara) of Defuniak Springs, FL, and nephew Ward, sister in law Rexanne Holley of Chipley, FL, nieces Melissa and Heather and nephew Will, mother in law Donnie Cooley of Crestview, FL, sister in law Lisa Davis (Mark), niece Jessica and nephew Matt, sister in law Beth White, and nephews Cody and Caleb, all of Headland, AL, and numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marjorie Pickett, and brother Gerald.

Serving as Pallbearers are: Will Holley, Ward Holley, Mark Davis, Matt Davis, Cody White, and Caleb White.

Flowers are being accepted or donations to your favorite charity.

A visitation at the graveside will be held at Magnolia Cemetery in DeFuniak Springs on Sunday, November 8th, 2020 from 2:00 – 3:00p.m. A graveside service will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the cemetery with Lyle Seigler leading the service.

The family has requested that due to Covid-19, masks are not required but strongly suggested and that social distancing be practiced by those attending.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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