Johnnie “Bae-Bae” Elijah Holley was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and departed this life on August 20, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories.

Johnnie attended Northeastern High School and Forsyth Technical Community College. A gifted and resourceful man, he became a licensed carpenter and electrician. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a jet engine machinist, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-4 before being honorably discharged in 1977.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes Geraldine Williams Holley and Henry Augustus Holley.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Mary Kathleen Wilson Holley; children, Robin Evonne Brooks and Sheena Nichole Holley; siblings, Agnes Brenda Holley Williams, Edward (Mary) Lee Holley, Theresa Mae Holley Brooks, and Robert Holley, his caregiver; grandchildren, She'Cora (Carey Sr.) Evonne Davis, DaZah Lashae Brooks, and Adrianna Renee Webster; great-grandchildren, Carey “CJ” Cecil Lee Jr. and Danielle Leigh Brown; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, August 28, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the Masonic Center of Winston-Salem, 4537 Country Club Road W-S, NC 27104. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Center.