Jimmy Holley, a native of Coffee County, a former state lawmaker passed away peacefully at the age of 80. He served in the Alabama House of Representatives for twenty years, beginning his first term in 1974. In 1998, following his time in the House, Holley was elected to six terms representing District 31 in the state Senate. He retired in 2023.
According to Hayes Funeral Home, Holley died Monday at the Elba Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. For two Alabama lawmakers, Holley was an invaluable mentor and example.
“Jimmy Holley had already served a lifetime by the time I entered the Alabama Legislature,” State Sen. Chris Elliot told Yellowhammer News. “He was a lion — respected by all, feared by some, and loved by many. I counted myself among those in each of these categories.
“The Senate leadership saw fit to appoint me, a young freshman senator, as vice-chairman of Senator Holley’s all-encompassing Governmental Affairs Committee. I can only imagine his feelings on being saddled with someone he must have viewed as a toddler, given his vast experience.”
Elliot said that Holley set out to educate him rather than showing annoyance at his inexperience when he first entered the Alabama Legislature.
“He was patient, kind, and generous when he didn’t have to be. Senator Holley revealed the unwritten rules and often unspoken intricacies and customs of the legislature, teaching me how to be effective, how to cajole, to persuade, and, when necessary, to apply a bit of pressure.”
“Since Senator Holley’s retirement just a few years ago, I’ve kept in touch, sought his advice, and shared stories, both old and new. I only wish I had done so more. He was a giant in Alabama politics, and his wisdom and kindness will be sorely missed.”
Alabama Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) remembered Holley as a trusted advisor.
“I learned a great deal from Senator Holley. We served together for years, and he was an incredible mentor to me,” said Reed. “Senator Holley knew the Senate rules better than any member in the body, and during my time as Majority Leader and later Pro Tem, I would go to him often to ask his advice on procedure. Regardless of the situation or what we were trying to accomplish, Senator Holley knew exactly what to do, and our body benefitted greatly from his knowledge.”
Reed emphasized how much Holley’s friendship meant personally.
“He was a strong leader that took an interest in always helping me, but above all, he was a great friend to me and many others. He was a man of great integrity that loved the Lord, his family, and his district. He, alongside his wife Mary, served his district and our state incredibly well.”
“His service to Alabama was a passion for him and a great benefit to our state. He will be greatly missed.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
