Junior Holyfield

by Cody Bishop
December 20th, 2022

Mr. Junior Holyfield passed away on Sunday December 11, 2022.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Maness Holyfield, and his sons Kyle (Michele) Holyfield and Derek (Melissa) Holyfield. He also leaves behind six grandchildren-Nolan, Raegan, Will, Keeton, Halle, and Till Kathryn Holyfield who all loved to call him “Poppa.” He is also survived by his sister, Mary Evelyn Smith as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Margaret Holyfield Simmons, a brother, Glynn Tyrone Simmons, and a sister, Patricia Simmons Stovall.
Junior was born on August 21, 1932 and raised on the family farm outside of Gadsden. He graduated from Gadsden High School and then served in the United States Army. He returned home and began to work for R. S. Boals General Merchandise and eventually purchased and operated Gadsden General Merchandise for almost 12 years. He then began a career in road construction with J. A. Hadley Construction and Rogers Group before moving to the Milan Army Ammunition Plant until he retired in 1999.
Junior was a faithful member of Gadsden United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and on numerous committees. He also helped to oversee the grounds of the Gadsden Cemetery for almost 40 years.
Junior was known for his hard work ethic and for never meeting a stranger. He loved to tell jokes and was an avid gardener who sold tomatoes, corn, peas, and other vegetables for many years. He attended countless ballgames for his children and grandchildren and was always proud of their accomplishments.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 14 from 5pm – 8pm at Gadsden United Methodist Church. Visitation will continue Thursday, December 15 at 11AM with funeral services following at Noon. Private graveside services will be held afterwards for the immediate family to honor and obey his request.
Pallbearers are Nolan Holyfield, Will Holyfield, Mike Simmons, Dane Simmons, Tyler Simmons, and Roy McClusky. Honorary pallbearers are Ron Barnes, Charles Hughes, Ronnie Nelson, Charles Leggett, and Richard Nichols.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gadsden United Methodist Church or the Gadsden Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 145 Gadsden, TN 38337.