Barnard Holley

Mr. Barnard Holley, 77 passed away on February 24, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Barnard was born in Alexander City, Alabama to the late A. Jake and Maggie Holley.

He moved to Swannanoa NC as a child where he grew up.  Barnard was a member of Macedonia AME Zion Church. He attended Stephens-Lee High school and graduated from Owens High School where he played football. He was a great player with star quality. The team won state championship games. Mr. Holley served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1968-1972. He fought in the Vietnam War.  He was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart. After returning home he furthered his education he enrolled at Montreat Anderson College and received an associate’s degree in business, and he attended A-B Tech College and studied to become a diesel mechanic.  He worked at Clark Equipment Incorporation for 15 Years, but his passion was being the Produce Man. He delivered fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighborhood and to senior citizens.

In addition to his parents, Barnard was preceded in death by his brother A.V. Holley, sisters Cora L. Morris, Jeanette Holley and Annie Mitchell.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of over 45 years Frankie P. Richardson Holley, sons Barnard Brown, Anthony Brown (April), Candaus Richardson (Robin), Allan Richardson (Dana), his siblings Emma H. Rogers of Fletcher NC, Barbara D. Young of Swannanoa NC, Ruby Simpson of Sumter SC and his 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends.

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Barnard will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Macedonia AME Zion Church (175 US 70, Swannanoa, NC), at 10am. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Western Carolina State Veteran Cemetery in Black Mountain at 12pm. Viewing will be held at Avery's Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 1pm – 7pm. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

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