A former Columbia High School auto shop teacher who employed students at his Texaco repair shop in South Orange, NJ, has died at 90.
Billy Patrick Holland from Maplewood/South Orange passed away March 22, surrounded by family, his obituary said.
Holland served as a U.S. Army sergeant in Germany, then returned to the MAPSO area, where he began teaching auto mechanics at Columbia High School.
"Many of his former students remained in touch with him over the years, expressing gratitude for the education, life lessons and support they received from him both in and out of the classroom," according to his obit.
Among his accomplishments, he owned Valley Texaco auto repair and towing in South Orange, employing students there who needed a job.
Holland also volunteered through the Boy Scouts.
He's survived by his wife Sue in Florida, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, said his obituary.
