Matthew Lee Holloway

Matthew Holloway "Matt," aka "MOM," beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away on September 11, 2026, at the age of 65. He was born on January 3, 1961.

 

 

Matthew leaves behind his beloved wife of 41½ years, Kathie Holloway, with whom he shared a life filled with love, family, hard work, and dreams they built together. He is also survived by his children, Lori Naraine, Ian Holloway, and Joshua Holloway; his daughter-in-law, Paige Holloway and his five grandchildren, Patrick Naraine Jr., Laya Holloway, Madison Naraine, Aunya Holloway, and Lyrie-Lee Holloway.

 

 

He is survived by his father, Dr. Norm Holloway; his sister, Holly Holloway; and his brother, Mark Holloway. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sheryl Holloway, and his sister, Terri Holloway.

 

 

Matthew proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1982 until 2003. He began his military career as an aircraft mechanic, working on KC-135 (A/Q/R) aircraft as a Crew Chief, and achieved the status of Master Crew Chief.

 

 

His love of flying led him to retrain as an HH-60G Flight Engineer, earning his wings and eventually serving with the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia-the Jolly Greens. Their motto, "These things we do, that others may live," represented the dedication and selflessness he carried throughout his life. At the age of 38, he earned the call sign "MOM."

 

 

Throughout his Air Force career, Matt participated in Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a Flight Engineer, he played a vital role in ensuring that aircrews patrolling those contested skies could be safely brought home if they became stranded or required rescue.

 

 

Following his retirement from active duty, Matt continued serving the rescue community as a contractor Flight Engineer on the HH-60G, UH-1N, and HH-60W. He performed critical Functional Check Flight (FCF) duties, helping ensure aircraft were safe, reliable, and ready to meet operational requirements.

 

 

Matthew retired from the Air Force in 2003 as a Master Sergeant (MSgt).

 

 

During his military career, Matthew was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, RAF Mildenhall, Little Rock Air Force Base, and Moody Air Force Base, and also worked at Kirtland Air Force Base. His service was something he carried with him long after his retirement. He continued serving his community as a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Patriot Guard.

 

 

To those who knew Matthew, he was someone who was always worried about everyone else. He cared deeply for his family and friends and was the kind of person who would make sure everyone was okay before thinking about himself.

 

 

Matt had many things he loved. He loved Neil Young, playing his guitars and harmonicas along with his favorite songs, NASCAR, fishing, hunting, camping, making chicharrónes, and golf. He especially loved playing virtual golf with his sons, Ian and Joshua, through VSR, creating memories and plenty of laughs along the way.

 

 

He also loved his Harley-Davidson and spent many years riding. His Harley was another part of who he was, and the stories and jokes surrounding it will always bring smiles to his family and friends.

 

 

One of Matthew and Kathie's greatest dreams was to have a piece of land and a home of their own, something they worked toward for years. They were finally able to make that dream come true in Thorn Hill, Tennessee, creating a place that meant so much to them and their family.

 

 

Matt will be remembered for his service, his humor, his music, his love of the outdoors, his Harley, and, most of all, the love and concern he had for the people around him. His family and friends will carry his memory in all the stories, laughter, music, and moments they shared.

 

 

His favorite phrase was one that perfectly captured the way he lived his life:

 

 

"Get 'er done."

 

 

And he certainly did.

 

 

Matt touched countless lives and will be missed more than words can express by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His life was a gift to those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.