Born on Aug. 29, 1959, in Chester, Pa., Holman built a life defined by military service

Born on Aug. 29, 1959, in Chester, Pa., Holman built a life defined by military service, entrepreneurial ventures in truck maintenance and franchise leadership, and deep connections with family and fellow veterans. He died on Oct. 3, 2026, at his home in Leland, N.C. Chris loved to be on the go, often acting as a tour guide for friends and relatives on his many travels.

Military Service and Business Ventures

Holman grew up in West Chester, Pa., attending Bishop Shanahan High School before graduating from Henderson Senior High School and enlisting in the Marine Corps. During his military career, he maintained assault amphibious vehicles and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Leo College. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1999 after serving for 22 years and 10 months, having arrived at Parris Island on Sept. 3, 1977. Reflecting on his service last month, he noted: Sept. 3, 1977, arrived at Parris Island; never stood on the yellow footprints. 9 of us from Philadelphia, our plane was delayed. We arrived midday, last guys to enter, last platoon of the series, 3319. . . got picked up the next day, then off to 22 years and 10 months. 47 years ago. Never planned that.

Following his military retirement, Holman launched Advanced Maintenance, a business providing on-site vehicle services for trucks by utilizing the mechanical and leadership skills he acquired in the Marines. That venture led to the creation of AMOS Franchising Systems Inc., where he served as CEO and director of franchising, overseeing 28 franchise locations. He also served as business director and a major donor for the Amphibious Tractor Association & Memorial.

Funeral Services and Military Honors

Funeral services are scheduled for Oct. 20, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, located at 18737 U.S. 17 in Hampstead, N.C. Calling hours will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. A remembrance of life and times will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring the rendering of military honors at the Battleship North Carolina, located at 1 Battleship Road N.C. in Wilmington, N.C. Arrangements are being handled by Wilmington Funeral & Cremation in Wilmington, N.C.

Holman is survived by his wife, J.J. Allen Holman. Holman (Cathy) and Thomas Edward Holman (Ann Marie). He leaves behind stepchildren Madison Bossert (Curtis) and their eight children, Christian Bossert and her three children, and Adam Allen. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth Holman, and his brother James J. Holman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Chris be made to the Amphibious Tractor Association. Regarding his life, Holman recently wrote: Living third and best part of life; other two parts great as well; I am a very lucky or blessed man.