Bishop – Mahlon S. Holland, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to reflect on his life, love and influence.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Mathis Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., in Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens.

Mr. Mahlon was born in Cochran. He was the son of the late Julian Robert and Vera Mae Smith Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mrs. Evelyn Fay Bishop Holland, his brother, Billy Joe Holland, and sister, Carolyn Holland Young.

Mr. Mahlon grew up in Cochran graduating from Cochran High School in 1955. Mr. Mahlon married the love of his life, Evelyn, living in Cochran and raising their daughters. Mr. Mahlon worked in vehicular management at Robins Air Force Base until his retirement after 31 years. He and Mrs. Evelyn then moved to Oconee County where he worked as a bus driver for several years, and later as Transportation Director for the Oconee County School System. Mr. Mahlon also served in the United States Army Reserves for 31 years. He served at the US Army Reserve Center in Dublin and retired as a Sergeant First Class.

Mr. Mahlon was a man of few words but only needed to be "given the word" in someone's time of need. He had a quick wit, sharp humor, gift for crafting nicknames, and gift for fashioning everyday sayings.

Mr. Mahlon loved the beauty of nature and wildlife. He took great joy when a deer, fox or turkey would wander into the backyard of his rural home. He enjoyed watching birds and listening to their bird songs. Mr. Mahlon took delight in trees and walks in the woods with Mrs. Evelyn, or his family, always carrying with him a good old-fashioned walking stick from a fallen limb. His favorite place to enjoy nature was sitting most anywhere in the warm spot of the sunshine (especially in the North Georgia mountains).

Mr. Mahlon loved spending time with his family in his own quiet way. He would often help his son-in-law, Mark at his dairy farm where he'd do anything that Mark would ask him to do, except milk the cows! He loved being with his granddaughters. In a twist of roles, they could talk their granddaddy into just about anything with a bag full of his favorite candy. He loved his family more than anything and they loved him right back!

During his adult years in Cochran, Mr. Mahlon was a member of Southside Baptist Church with his favorite roles being an RA's leader alongside his good friends and senior adult leader alongside Mrs. Evelyn. Mr. Mahlon was a member of Bishop Baptist Church, Bishop.

Through all the joys and challenges, Daddy made a great impact in our lives as father, grandfather, father-in-law, husband, and in many lives as friend. There was so much more to him than just Daddy, though to us that was his greatest role. We were changed by the presence of him in our lives and our lives are forever changed by his absence. Our love for him is deeper than words and longer than memories!

Survivors are his children, Lisa Holland (Mark) Dawson of Watkinsville and Christy Holland (James) Collins of Cochran; his grandchildren, Millie Collins (JP) Snodgrass of Sandy Springs and Maggie Collins (Evan) Eggebrecht of Billings, MT, sister-in-law, Carolyn Carter Pritchett, Bishop, brother-in-law, Harry McDonald, Stockbridge, many nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Johnny Pritchett, Bishop.

The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 P.M. on Friday at Mathis Funeral Home.