Holland, Joseph Hubert

Joey Holland was born September 22, 1960, the older child of Jean Baggett and Paul Holland. He and his sister Paula Holland Wooten grew up in Kenly, North Carolina, attending Kenly Elementary School and North Johnston High School. During his high school years, Joey was a member of the Future Farmers of America and a bus driver. After his graduation from North Johnston, Joey joined his father, Paul, in farming the Holland Family Farm.

This farm, located just northeast of Kenly, has been owned and tended by this family since the late nineteenth century. He and his father continued to work together until his father's retirement, but Joey still seeks his father's help and counsel as he carries on the family farming tradition. Joey has entered crop yield contests in both Wilson and Johnston Counties and has placed in first and second place numerous times in the production of cotton, corn, and soybeans.

Joey is married to the former Janie Medlin. He and Janie continue to farm the Holland Family Farm. He has two children: April Jean and Samantha Kaye Holland; and two stepchildren: Janna and Justin Rogerson. The children raise and sell livestock in the Wilson County Livestock Show and Sale Program. Joey has always been an active citizen and community supporter. He was an original tour farmer for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, hosting tours to his farm.

Joey's farm was always neat and well kept - a pleasant and informative place to visit. Joey has been a member of the Wilson County Young Farmers' Club and the Kenly Area Jaycees. Joey has been active in the Kenly Baptist Church since his childhood. He was a member of the Messengers Youth Group during his teenage years. In addition to being a member of the church, he has been a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and assistant superintendent. He has also been a member of the church choir participating in Sunday services and special programs and cantatas.