Harris Riley Holliday

Harris Riley Holliday 

June 11, 1942 – January 27, 2026 

Harris Riley Holliday passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 27, 2026, at the age of 83. A devoted husband, father, “Gdad,” and friend, Riley lived a life marked by integrity, quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family.

Raised on the family farm in Olmstead, Kentucky, he was shaped by hard work, family bonds, and the great outdoors. Whether playing cowboys and robbers with his siblings or hanging out at the Tasty Treat, Riley (aka, “Dugan”) was known for his level-headed yet witty character. At Olmstead High School, he was recognized as Most Athletic, Best All-Around, and Largest in his class. While attending Austin Peay State University on a basketball scholarship, he excelled both academically and athletically, playing basketball and throwing javelin. After meeting Carolyn on a blind date in January 1967, Riley’s life was forever altered. They were married just seven months later and, together, created a beautiful family. As father of five, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of two, Riley was a steady presence on the sidelines of countless sporting events for his family. His commitment extended well beyond ballfields and courts; his family has a deep well of memories on trips with Carolyn and him camping in Fall Creek Falls, Disney World, and on the family farm, not to mention the scores of games spent cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Riley enjoyed a distinguished career as a construction surety bond underwriter, working first for USF&G, then Martin Hayes, and then Marsh McLennan, where he served for 32 years, before finishing his career at Scott Insurance until his retirement. Professionally, Riley was known for his integrity and was widely regarded as a fine gentleman.

A devoted member of Bellevue Church of Christ, he served faithfully as a deacon and was always ready to help wherever needed. Though a humble man of few words, his example spoke powerfully of a life lived in faithful obedience and quiet devotion to the Lord.

Riley was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Carol Holliday; his parents Harris and Mildred Riley Holliday; and his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Martha Lillian Holliday.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Holliday; his children Andy (Jennifer) Holliday, Tommy (Kristin) Holliday, Robert (Katie) Holliday, and Julie (Scott) Mason; his grandchildren Katie (Reid) Weber, Drew Holliday, Robert Holliday, Jr., Lilly Holliday, Ruth Holliday, Eloise Mason, Fletcher Mason, Ellen Holliday, and Riley Holliday; and his great-grandchildren Rosie and Noah Weber, all of Nashville.

He is also survived by his sister Norma (Mac) Taylor of Olmstead, Kentucky; his cousin King Riley of Elkton, Kentucky; and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Riley’s legacy lives on in the family he loved fiercely the faith he lived quietly, and the example he set for all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and his memory cherished.

The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:00PM, at Bellevue Church of Christ, located at 7401 Hwy 70. A private family burial will follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

Visitation with the Holliday family will be on Monday, February 2nd from 4:00PM until 7:00PM, then again on Tuesday from 12:00PM until the service time at 1:00PM, all at Bellevue Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers memorials are encouraged to Lipscomb University Volleyball Fund, University Volleyball – Lipscomb University Day of Giving, Bellevue Church of Christ benevolence fund Give, Alive Hospice Donate | Alive Hospice | Donations for Hospice Care

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.