Ellis Holdiness

Mr. Ellis Holdiness, Jr, 88, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Poplar Flat Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Wise officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home, and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ellis was born February 19, 1938, in Louisville, MS to Ellis and Lydia Holdiness. Ellis spent a little more than 20 years in the U.S. Army with station stops in Texas, Germany and Washington, DC. After retiring from the Army, Ellis went to work for the VA Hospital where he spent another 20 years. After retiring, Ellis and Arlene moved back to Louisville. Ellis loved spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren and his great grandchild. Ellis enjoyed working with Samaritans Purse when he was able to.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Lydia Holdiness; four sisters, Valeria (Sis) Humphries, Janie Clark, Vera Hummell and Bobbie Ruth Rogers; four brothers, Herbert Holdiness, Hubert Holdiness, Clyde Holdiness, and T.W. Holdiness.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Arlene Holdiness of Louisville, MS; two sons Bill Holdiness of Woodbridge, VA and Ken Holdiness of Flowood, MS; a sister, Carolyn Ward of Iuka, MS; two grandchildren, Lydia Bryan of Tupelo, MS and Gregory Holdiness of Flowood, MS; one grandchild, Asher Hayes of Tupelo, MS; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be David Ward, Michael Gates, Clay Gates, Clay Bane, Robert (Bob) Burks and Robbye McMillan. Honorary pallbearers will be David Lewis, Jerry Allen Holdiness, John Michael Holdiness and Patrick Holdiness and the men from Poplar Flat Sunday School that Ellis taught on Sunday mornings.

Memorials in Ellis’ memory may be made to Poplar Flat Baptist Church.