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TAMPA, Fla. -- Wayne George Holeman passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the age of 78, at Tampa General Hospital, after complications of pneumonia leading to lung rejection from a double lung transplant he received in January 2016. In his final months and days, George was surrounded by the love and devotion of his three children. More than anything, George loved his family, and that always remained constant throughout his life.
Born in Akron, Ohio, George spent much of his life refusing to follow a conventional path. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. There, he endured the loss of his brother, Ray, a tragedy that shaped the course of his life and remained with him always.
George spent most of his life in Ohio before making his home in Florida. Never one to stand still for too long, he met life as it came, adapting to each new chapter with resilience, curiosity and a wonderful sense of humor.
The gift of two new lungs saved his life for more than a decade and transformed it. The years that followed became, in many ways, his happiest. He embraced his second chance, found faith and dedicated himself to staying healthy. Every morning, he started his day by taking a long walk through his Florida neighborhood, followed by laps in the community pool where he loved showing off his amazing lung capacity. He never lost sight of the miracle that made his new life possible.
He was charming, endlessly entertaining and always had a story to tell. Those fortunate enough to know him will remember his humor, his larger-than-life personality and the way he lived life on his own terms.
He is survived by his children, Ray, Ryan and Ashleigh Holeman; stepson, Josh Polivka; five beloved grandchildren, Sasha, Jake, Mason, Madox and Hudson; daughters-in-law, Staci (Ray) and Kate (Ryan); and son-in-law, Michael Selman. He also leaves behind many cherished friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. He will be greatly missed by all.
A private military service and burial will take place on Sept. 23, 2026, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
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