Joe McHolland, 91, of Tifton (Berrien County) passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at his residence. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mr. McHolland at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Berrien County, where he will be laid to rest. The Rev. Steve Davis will officiate.
Born October 28, 1934, in Bedford, Indiana, Mr. McHolland was the son of the late Hershal Thaddeus McHolland and Enid Lorene Brock McHolland. As a long-time resident of the Tifton area, he was an active member of Brookfield Baptist Church, where over the course of several years was involved in the children’s ministry. As a big fan of children, he also worked many years as a substitute teacher for Tift County schools during his retirement following various corporate roles in Savannah, as well as in Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona. Joe was a proud veteran, serving in the Army during the Korean War.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Hand McHolland, who passed away in 2024; one son, Scott McHolland; one stepdaughter, Paula Hendley Clark; a stepson-in-law, David Clark; and a grandson, Jim Clark.
Mr. McHolland is survived by two daughters, Teresa West (Andy) of Anderson, South Carolina, Jennifer Ratledge (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina, one stepson, Phil Hendley, of Berrien County, one step-daughter Lisa Hendley Divine (Doug), of Lake Blackshear, and 8 grandchildren. As a member of a large family of 12 children, he is survived by 4 siblings: Helen Wysner, Dave McHolland (Sandy), Nancy Pifer (Tom), and Rita McHolland.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to do so should make a memorial gift to Brookfield Baptist Church, P.O. Box 85, Brookfield, GA 31727.