Curtis "CJ" Holiman

CJ Holiman, age 90, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Pleasant Valley Nursing & Rehab in Little Rock.   Born in Ola, Arkansas to Curtis and Ethel Holiman, CJ graduated from Waldron High School, attended Little Rock Jr College and graduated from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he majored in Church Music.  He was a WWII veteran, serving in the Army Air Force from 1943 - 1945.

In addition to his parents, CJ was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jeannetta Moyer Holiman, his brother Edward Holiman, and sisters Edna Ingram and Pauline Barrentine. 

He is survived by two sons, Tom Holiman (Bobbie) of Huntsville, Arkansas, and Rick Holiman of Little Rock; one daughter, Jody Davis (Mike) of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Cory and Landon Holiman, Caroline Holiman Holland, Jessica Brookings Watson, Bethany Brookings Semans, and Stephanie Holiman; and 11 great grandchildren.

CJ was a member of First Baptist Church of Crossett, where he served on staff for many years as a Minister of Music and Education.  Prior to moving to Crossett in 1963, he was at First Baptist Church Cullendale, Arkansas, Midway Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas and Central Avenue Baptist Church in Hot Springs.   After retiring from the ministry, he worked in real estate, then served as the Executive Director of the Crossett Housing Authority until he retired in 1990.

 CJ had a beautiful singing voice, and as a child sang Gospel music on the local radio station. People enjoyed his singing throughout the years, a legacy he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His music will always be remembered and cherished.

During his years in church ministry, CJ was active in leadership roles with the Arkansas Baptist Convention and the “Music Men of Arkansas.”   In the Crossett community, he was affectionately known as “Brother CJ”.

CJ loved to hunt, fish, and play golf with friends and family.  He spent hours outside in his shop working on the “mud buggy”, ready to take grandkids then great-grandkids for a ride down the alley, all the way to the rodeo grounds. They loved it!

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to First Baptist Church of Crossett for many, many years of love, loyalty and friendship; the caring staff of Pleasant Valley Nursing & Rehab in Little Rock, who gently cared for him during his last days; The Pillars of Crossett, his home for nine years prior to moving closer to his children. It seems appropriate that during this Christmas season, he is now able to sing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” in the presence of his Savior.

The family will observe a private graveside service.   A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 22 at First Baptist Church Crossett, with visitation immediately following.  Arrangements are being made by Medders Funeral Home of Crossett. In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at First Baptist Church Crossett.

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