Thomas Lincoln Holroyd “Tom” passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 8th at his home in Granville, Ohio at the age of 88.

Born April 11th, 1938, in Utica, New York to the late Lincoln and Caroline (Eayrs) Holroyd.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Leigh (Edward) Mackiewicz and Ann (Dan) Bussey; daughter-in-law, Tracey (Houston) Holroyd; 8 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; cousin, Johanna Holroyd Piccardo.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Joyce (Sions) Holroyd; sons, Robert “Houston” Holroyd, and Greg Umstot; sister, Carol Holroyd Davis.

Tom was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a decorated officer in the US Air Force for 20 years, serving as a pilot and instructor. During his service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, having served in multiple theaters including, Korea, Vietnam and in NATO command. After retiring from the military he was employed by Pan American Airlines and then Delta Airlines as a flight instructor for 22 years. In his final days he pointed to the sky and said "I want to be up there again."

He was a member of First Baptist Orlando, FL where he served faithfully as a greeter and usher for many years; his smile and warm personality remembered by many. During retirement he enjoyed working part time at Disney’s Wide World of Sports with his wife Joyce and then was her faithful caregiver for 16 years before moving to Ohio near his daughter and grandchildren. In Ohio he attended Pataskala Grace Church, where he met new friends while holding fast to his Orlando Church family.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and made many friends at his Ohio home. He was surrounded by the love of his daughters, friends and the amazing staff at Middleton Senior Living during his final days. Tom; dad, grandpa, uncle and cherished friend will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him deeply. We celebrate his heavenly homecoming and rejoice in his healing!

With a humble heart Tom requested no memorial service and the family is honoring his wishes. He will be interred in WV with his loving wife where they spent many summers making memories with their family and friends. His final message to all, “I am with my Jesus, Rejoice!”