A celebration of life for Benson Powell Holland will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Quitman, MS. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Quitman, MS, with Rev. Lannis May officiating.
Benson was born February 2, 1938, in Greenville, MS. He passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family at the Mississippi Veterans Home in Collins, MS.
Benson was a graduate of Leland High School. After graduation, Benson joined the United States Marine Corps. Among various duties, he also played for the USMC football team and was discharged from active duty three years later after reaching the rank of Lance Corporal. After the Marines, Benson attended Mississippi College where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and met his wife, Carolyn. Benson was a member of the MC football team and inducted into the Mississippi College Hall of Fame. Benson was a phenomenal athlete. He was a Golden Glove Boxer and became an avid tennis player in his adult life and made many lifelong friends and memories.
Besides his wife Carolyn, the biggest joy of his life was football and his players. He was not just a coach; he was a mentor and father figure for his boys. Benson started his coaching career in Hollandale, MS. He then went to The University of Idaho where he was an assistant coach. Benson and Carolyn missed the South so much that he took the head coach position in Quitman, Mississippi.
After his football career, he entered the insurance and financial industry with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Benson is remembered by his story telling talents, "Stop me if I have told you this before," kindness, and deep love for his family.
Survivors include his children, Stephanie Morris (Mitchell) of Collins, Ben Holland (Lezlie) of Piperton, TN, and Chris Hamm (Jon) of Saltillo, MS. He was a dear Pop to his grandchildren, Blair Lee, Will Hamm, Cade Hamm, and Caroline Hamm, and great-grandson, Holland Lee. He is also survived by one brother, Steve Holland.
His is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Holland, Jr. and Juanita Fossler; his wife, Carolyn; and a brother, Paul Ott Carruth.
The family requests memorials to be made to Children's of Mississippi Cleft, Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery. Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
