John David Holland, age 55 of Dandridge, Tennessee, passed away on April 2, 2026, after a brief illness and a triple bypass surgery. He went home to be with his Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and dedication to his family and community. John was born on June 21, 1970 in White Pine, Tennessee, to David and Brenda Holland. He graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1988, where he was a member of the 1987 State Championship football team. He began his college career at Carson-Newman University, playing baseball, and later attended Walters State Community College, where he earned his Paramedic License in 1992.

John’s love for helping others defined his life and career. He served over 30 years in emergency services and law enforcement, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, where he was a K-9 officer and a valued member of the Drug Task Force. He graduated from the Blount County Regional Training Academy in 2016 and most recently served with the Rutledge Police Department beginning in April 2025. He was also a member of the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department, the Jefferson Rescue Squad, E911 Director, and served as Constable in District One for several years.

John cherished his family and his loyal retired K-9 companion, Tuko, who was his constant friend. He shared 27 years of marriage with his wife, Martina, and was a proud father to Chandler, Joshua, and Fayth. He loved watching Tennessee football and took joy in the simple pleasures of life, always putting the needs of others before his own. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Petros Leinonen and nurse Will Braytonin in the CVICU for their care, compassion and dedication during John’s final days. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Garland and Lois McCoig, Thomas and Nell Holland, and a special cousin, Derrick McCoig.

John is survived by his loving wife Martina Holland; his children, Chandler, Joshua, and Fayth; his parents, David and Brenda Holland; his brother, Luke (Kristin) Holland; his uncle, Bud (Joan) McCoig; his aunt, Helen Faye White and cousins Julie (JayJay) and Tripp Allen, along with many extended family members, colleagues, and friends who will deeply miss him. John will be remembered for his courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. His legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:00 at the First Baptist Church of Dandridge with Rev. Dr. Justin Terrell and Pastor Wayne McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 prior to the funeral service. Family, Friends and members of Law Enforcement Units will assemble at the First Baptist Church of Dandridge at 10:30am Tuesday to proceed in a motorcade procession to Grants Chapel Cemetery for the 11:00am graveside interment services and the Last Call.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home, Dandridge, TN