Alan Wayne Holcomb

 June 17, 1944 – October 1, 2024

Alan W. Holcomb passed away suddenly on October 1, 2024, in Calera, Alabama. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

 Alan was 80 years old and lived a successful life as an insurance agent before retiring in 2017. After retiring, he moved with his wife, the Reverend Patricia Tower Jackman Holcomb to Florida and recently to Alabama.

Alan was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed tying his own flies. For a number of years, he worked with the Green Mountain “Project Healing Waters” helping to teach the sport of fly fishing to wounded veterans. During the Covid epidemic he took up wood carving and spent many hours since carving signs and images as gifts for family and friends.

As a veteran, Alan served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Navy Seabees. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Alan is survived by his wife, Pat; two daughters, Nancy Myrick of New Haven, VT and Mariellen Owens of Clermont, FL; four grandchildren, David Livingston, Paige Myrick, Malik Owens, and Brooklyn Allard. He was predeceased by both his parents, Robert F. Holcomb and Dorothy Blesso Holcomb; and his brother, Robert C. Holcomb.

 After a small family service, Alan will be buried at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to “Project Healing Waters” at www.projecthealingwaters.org

11 Comments

  1. Diane Holcomb on October 8, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    We were blessed having you in our lives. A great father and “gramps”. You will be missed, but memories are with us and will be lovingly shared. Goodbye my friend, happy fishing in heaven.



  2. Janie McKenzie on October 9, 2024 at 1:51 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing.. Alan was an incredible fly tyer and fisherman, but more than that, an amazing human being.
    I was fortunate to work with Alan on fly fishing related activities including Project Healing Waters, his Fly Fishing Festivals and Trout Unlimited Banquets. He was always so generous with his time and talents. I always admired his calm demeanor and get it done approach. Rest easy old friend.. see you downstream.



  3. Nancy and Craig Ritschel on October 9, 2024 at 2:13 am

    It was an honor and a blessing to have Alan as a part of our life journey. We are praying for you Pat and his family.



  4. Valerie and Bob R on October 9, 2024 at 2:33 am

    Pat and family,

    Our deepest condolences on the passing of Alan, a great guy. We were unaware of his service in Vietnam and never got to thank him for his service.

    His sudden death has to be very difficult! We will miss him, too, as we did when you both left Ocala. May you find peace in our shared belief that his life has just begun and though separated, we shall be reunited someday.

    Peace and love,
    Valerie and Bob



  5. Ellie on October 9, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    Pat, I can seem to find words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I am so thankful I got to spend some time with him. My thoughts and prayers to you and his family. 💕💕💕💕



    • Julie (Saunders) Forand on October 10, 2024 at 1:28 am

      I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Nancy and Mariellen. You are all in my thoughts. Hugs! ❤️



  6. Carol and Nick Starr on October 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm

    Remembering Alan and wife Pastor Patricia with great fondness. As snow birds we watched the devotion and leadership they both had to UCC, its congregation and Christ while we & they were in Ocala.. An inspiration to us all. We left Ocala in April to return to permanently to Indiana after 14 winters in Ocala. Carol even substituted once for Alan as an usher! Our Sympathy to Patricia and family in the loss of Alan. God Bless and comfort you now and in the future. Love in Christ, Carol and Nick Starr, still members of UCC, watching on line every week usually.



  7. Phyllis McCormack on October 9, 2024 at 9:19 pm

    Pat I never met you but I want to thank you for making my cousin happy. I will miss him but I’m glad he was part of my life. I used to babysit him and his brothers when I was in high school. I hope your memories will help you get through this difficult time. May the good Lord bless you



  8. Ann Fowler on October 9, 2024 at 10:56 pm

    He was a wonderful friend with a loving nature. It was always fun to exchange military stories and life experiences with him. He will be missed.



  9. Chris Blanchard on October 10, 2024 at 10:52 am

    As a child, there were people that we were raised to call “aunt” and “uncle”. These incredible human beings played a large part in my young life. “Uncle” Alan was more an “uncle” to me than any blood relative. He was gentle. He was supportive. He encouraged me to be my best. He was a staple in our community and an example that I looked up to.

    I still have the life insurance policy that he helped me with when I was 20 years old. It may sound odd, but he crosses my mind every quarter when I pay that bill.

    He will forever hold a piece of my heart.

    He will be missed as we move forward in our “next chapters” without him here in his human form. We will be who we are, in part, because he was here. His love and gentle ways sent out ripples into the world that will continue on.

    My condolences to Nancy, Mariellen, Pat and Aunt Diane along with all who knew and love Uncle Alan.



  10. Susanne Wetmore on October 22, 2024 at 11:59 am

    We send our sympathy to you and your family.
    Sue & George Wetmore
    Brandon Cong’l Church
    Vermont