Melvin Larry Holloway's Obituary
Melvin Larry Holloway, long time Sandy resident, entered this world in a blizzard on January 20, 1940, to Leon Melvin Holloway and Ellen Chidester of Richfield, Utah. Larry was the middle of three children, his sister Vonda and brother John. He finished his earthly exploration during another snowstorm on March 31, 2023.
Larry loved being outdoors, especially down in the red dirt of Dixie. He would spend many hours exploring the caves, hills and valleys of Southern Utah and the wonders of the Salt Lake Valley. He not only learned a lot of the rich history surrounding that area, but he joined an unfortunate group called “the downwinders” who suffer the effects of the atomic testing that went on in that area.
Larry met his eternal sweetheart, Ann Thornton, in Sevier County when he mischievously floated her shoe down the Monroe City Creek, saved her from a “not so great date,” and came for a visit and the rest is history.
Larry, or “Poppa” as he was known by his family, was proud of all his family. He was so happy to become a dad with the arrival of his son, Robert Larry (Kellie). Nine years later when his daughter, LoriAnn Smart (Daran), joined the family his heart overflowed. As his family has grown over the years with each addition of grandchildren, Dallon Holloway (Danielle), Amanda Speth (David), Madison Olsen (Cameron), Whitnee Kelsey (Thomas), Savannah Smart, Scotty Smart, and Morgan Smart. As the next generation started (Brodie, Hayden, Lily, Soren, and Jace), his heart continued to grow and so did the bragging. If you wanted to get him talking, all you had to do was ask him about his family. He was also immensely proud and loved the special people who entered his life “through the fence.” You could often hear him brag about the Rene Nelson family as if they were his own-which they are. He could never see anything wrong with the members of his family and in return that is how his family saw him.
Larry joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1964 and never looked back. He served in many different callings, his favorites always being those that allowed him to serve others. He was honored for his many years of service in the Boy Scout organization by receiving the highest regional honor given, the Silver Beaver. Larry had a special place in his heart for the youth and it showed in the many body slams, high fives, and lemon drops that were given throughout his life. You could always count on one if not all of those things being available when you saw Larry.
Larry was a talented man with a mind and hands that could turn a plain piece of wood into a work of art. He took considerable pride in the fact that he had worked in most of the homes on the upper east side of the Salt Lake Valley. He loved going on rides and showing his children the many porches, roofs, or kitchens that he helped create. He also loved helping neighbors with their DIY projects. One of the highlights in his life was when he was able to help build the sets and props for Promis Valley Playhouse. He was happiest when he could use his talent of creating unique and useful things.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Fairoaks Ward building located at 586 East 8400 South in Sandy, Utah on April 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The family will be welcoming visitors that day starting at 9:30 AM.
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