Earl J. Holley, age 86, of the Hall Road, Buckhannon, died Saturday, October 17, 2026, at his home. He was born on October 31, 1939, in Morgantown, WV, a son of the late Earl Cranston and Virginia Pearl Lantz Holley.
On March 9, 1963, he was united in marriage to Erma M. Booth Holley, who preceded him in death on December 6, 2024.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Joan Glaspell; three brothers: Ray Corder, Wilbert Holley, and Bob Holley; and one brother-in-law, Ed Hoy.
He is survived by two sons: Tim Holley and wife Pam of Lumberport, WV, and Jonathan Holley and wife Sherry of French Creek; six grandchildren: Anthony Holley and wife Amanda, Shayna Hurst-Rodney and husband Darius, Brandi Aceves and husband Paco, Natasha Wamsley and husband Tyler, TJ Holley and wife Mikayla, and Gracie Holley; ten great-grandchildren: Alayna and Alaura Holley, Madison McVay, Felix, Liam, and Ava Aceves, Zeke and Eli Wamsley, and Collin and Brayden Holley; one sister, Betty Hoy of Boothsville, WV; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Holley had worked in mining and remained an active member of the UMWA; he later retired from the WV DOH Equipment Division, where he worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator.
In his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Mt. Lebanon UMC.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 5–7:00 PM, at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the funeral chapel, with Pastor Jim Minutelli officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
Online condolences may be extended to the Holley family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Holley family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.
