Ronald Eugene Holley was born in Anniston, AL on October 3, 1949. He grew up in Anniston with his parents, Gene and Betty Holley, and his two brothers, Mike and Rick Holley. After high school, he left for Auburn University to study civil engineering and graduated in 1971. Shortly after graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Ann, and got his first job in Montgomery, AL where they made their home. In 1974, he and Ann went to Austin, TX where he enrolled at the University of Texas and received his master's degree in environmental engineering in 1975. They moved to Atlanta in 1977 where he began his career in environmental work. In 1987 he began his own engineering consulting firm and retired in March 2020.
Ron was a beloved family man, married to Ann for 52 years, and loved being the father of three daughters. Never too busy to talk and lend a helping hand. Always made himself available to drive to soccer games, ballet, and school activities. Always ready to go to Walmart at 9:00 pm for supplies for a school project. Ron took his family on many trips to the mountains, beach, California, and many other places. He loved the Lord and was active in his church, especially singing in the choir with his buddies. He loved golf and golfing trips, AU football, Braves baseball, his grandson's baseball games, his granddaughter's orchestra performances, volleyball games, and even twirling competitions! He enjoyed just hanging out with his buddies on the back deck, drinking a Manhattan, and smoking an occasional cigar. He was always ready to get bar-b-que with a friend and drop a fishing line in the pond behind our house.
The past three years Ron bravely accepted the limitations that were placed on him because of the rare neurological disease, MSA-Parkinson's, that took over his body. He knew the cruel road that laid before him, but never complained, was always cheerful, and downplayed his condition to friends and family. He pressed on every day to make sure Ann and his family had all they needed for life without him. Ron was a humble, kind gentleman who leaves this as his legacy to his family.
His survivors are his wife, Ann Holley, his daughters, Lauren Kelly, son-in-law, David Kelly, Leslie Polakov, son-in-law, Adam Polakov, Melissa Ruzowicz, son-in-law Ben Ruzowicz. His seven grandchildren Grace Kelly, Maya Kelly, Alex Polakov, Elliot Polakov, Tristan Ruzowicz, Ansleigh Ruzowicz, Cameron Ruzowicz.