LELAND — Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Christopher P. Holman, beloved husband of J.J. Allen Holman, died Oct. 3, 2026, at his home in Leland, N.C.
Born Aug. 29, 1959, in Chester, Pa., he grew up in West Chester, Pa., attending Bishop Shanahan High School before graduating from Henderson Senior High School and enlisting in the Marines, maintaining assault amphibious vehicles. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration from St. Leo College.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1999 and started a business, Advanced Maintenance, offering on-site vehicle services for trucks, using the mechanical and leadership skills he learned in the Marines and his friendly, outgoing, business-savvy personality. It led to the formation of AMOS Franchising Systems Inc., where he was CEO and director of franchising with 28 franchise locations.
Chris always knew the value of hard work. As a young teen, he saved his wages as a busboy and paid for his own ticket to fly to his Aunt Anna and Uncle Jim Holman in San Diego, beginning a close relationship with their family.
Chris loved to be on the go. If he wasn’t on a personal or business trip, he was planning one and more likely two. He invited friends and relatives along and loved being a tour guide.
Chris liked to post his adventures, his Harley-Davidson travels and his musings on Facebook. Last month he reminisced: “Sept. 3, 1977, arrived at Parris Island; never stood on the yellow footprints. 9 of us from Philadelphia, our plane was delayed. We arrived midday, last guys to enter, last platoon of the series, 3319. . . got picked up the next day, then off to 22 years and 10 months. 47 years ago. Never planned that.”
He thrived on being with family, friends and fellow Marines. He was business director and a major donor for the Amphibious Tractor Association & Memorial.
He was predeceased by his parents, John (Harry) Holman and Elizabeth (Betty) Holman née
McKinney) and his brother James J. Holman. He is survived by his wife, J.J. Allen Holman of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Leland, N.C.; his sons Christopher Paul Holman II (Leeanne) and their children Leah and Charlotte, of Hampstead, N.C.; and John David Holman (Kayla) and his sons Brody and Bradley, of Leland, N.C.
He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Adams of Richmond, Maine; and his brothers John J. Holman (Cathy) of St. Marys, Ga., and Thomas Edward Holman (Ann Marie) of Toughkenamon, Pa., as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
He is also survived by stepchildren Madison Bossert (Curtis) of Conway, S.C., and their children Delilah, Penelope, Peyton, Abel, Gwen, Judith, Jonah and Luca; Christian Bossert of Carrollton, Ga., and her children Liberty, Rowland and Juniper; and Adam Allen of Charleston, S.C.
Another of Chris’s Facebook notes said, ”Living third and best part of life; other two parts great as well; I am a very lucky or blessed man.” He was both.
Funeral services will be Oct. 20 at All Saints Catholic Church, 18737 U.S. 17, Hampstead, N.C. 28443. Calling hours 10 a.m. followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Remembrance of life and times 3-7 p.m. with the rendering of military honors at the Battleship North Carolina, 1 Battleship Road N.C., Wilmington, N.C. 28401. Arrangements by Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, Wilmington, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Chris can be made to Amphibious Tractor Association.
