Dr. Eric D. Holley of Lebanon, Ohio passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Dayton Miami Valley Hospital.

Eric was born on  December 15, 1961 to Paul and Eva (née: Bennett) Holley in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Eric is survived by his mother, Eva Holley; wife, Michele (née: Johnson) Holley; daughter, Erika (André) James; son, Joshua (Tiffney) Holley; daughter, Erica (Chris) Winters; sister Crystal (Wayne) Weatherwax; and six grandchildren; Khori James, Layden Johnson, Liyonah Johnson, Sky Holley, Ocean Holley, and Hunter Winters.  He also has several nieces and nephews.

Eric is preceded in death by his father, Paul Holley and brother, Barry Holley.

In 1981, Eric met Michele while his North Carolina youth choir was touring Ohio.  They have served in ministry for most of their 40 years together.

Eric was a minister at the Praise and Worship Center in Lebanon for many years before co-founding Mended Hearts Ministry with Michele in 1998.  They traveled for nine years with Erika and Joshua as The Holley Family singing, teaching, and preaching in churches nationwide.

Eric is a graduate of Lee University and Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee.  He graduated in 2019 from Regent University with his Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.  Education and teaching were his passion.

Eric became a board-certified professional Chaplain and had the privilege of serving patients and families at The Hospice of Dayton.  He most recently served as the Palliative and Hospice Care Chaplain for Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus for approximately eight years.  It was there that Eric earned multiple GEM Awards (Going the Extra Mile) for his humble, yet high level of exemplary service to his patients and their families.

A devoted family man, he always put his family first. He adored every one of his children and grandchildren, and could regularly be heard sharing his pride and joy of them with peers and friends. His best friend and wife, who he called "Mich", was truly the love of his life.  Their life together was characterized by a deep devotion to Christ, their family and serving others. Together, they created countless stories, much laughter and spontaneous adventures over the years.

The family recalls Eric sharing many times that at the end of his life all he wanted others to say about him was "He made a difference".  He truly impacted thousands of lives with the love of Christ serving as a youth pastor, itinerant minister, associate pastor, chaplain and lead pastor.  He always remained humble, simply wanting to love God and love people.

Visitation will be held at Newspring Church (1150 S. Main St., Springboro, OH 45066) on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM followed by the Celebration of Life service at 4:00pm.  Flowers can be sent directly to Newspring Church at 1150 S. Main St., Springboro.  Donations to be directed to WillowBend Farms in Bradley County, TN  at https://willowbendfarms. kindful.com/ . WillowBend Farms is a non-profit organization with a mission to restore survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence.