Vernon “Doc” Holliday, 87, of Dillsboro passed from this life on Monday, January 6, 2020 at his home with family by his side. Vernon entered this life on Monday, April 18, 1932 in Perry County, Kentucky, the youngest of four children born to Silas and Seattie (Ritchie) Holliday. He spent the first 18 years of his life in Kentucky and after high school he came to Indiana where he has lived since. He went to work at Seagrams Distillery in 1952 and worked there for 42 years, retiring in 1994. He met his wife Leota Knigga at Seagrams, where she also worked. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving two years during the Korean Conflict. He married Leota March 9, 1957 and she preceded him in death August 28, 1997. He was a member of the Aurora Eagles and the Milan American Legion Post #235, a former member of Dillsboro American Legion Post #292, former member of Milan Country Club, and raised in Baptist faith. He hobbies included: golfing, fishing, yard work, gardening, and spending time with family and grandchildren.
Doc is survived by daughter Brenda Holliday of Dillsboro; stepson Michal Clore of Aurora; grandchildren Amanda McKeown, Jared & Nova Taylor, and Joel Taylor all of Dillsboro; nine great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Leota, son Larry, two brothers and one sister.
A service celebrating his life will be held 10 AM Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home in Dillsboro with Pastor Tom Holt officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, with full military rites provided by the Milan American Legion Post #235. Family and friends may gather to share and remember him 5-7 PM Wednesday, January 8 also at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in honor of Doc to Oakdale Cemetery or American Cancer Society. Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 12887 Lenover Street, Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018, (812)432-5480. You may go to www.filterdevriesmoore.com to leave an online condolence message for the family.