A much-loved educational and governmental leader will be sorelymissed, said his peers and friends Tuesday morning.

Brookhaven School District Board of Trustees President CarlHolloway died early Tuesday morning at his home, a spokesperson forTyler Funeral Home said.

District Superintendent Lea Barrett said Holloway’s loss will bedeeply felt by his fellow educators.

“He has long been an advocate for children and for publiceducation,” she said. “He will be deeply missed by everyone in thisdistrict.”

Barrett said Holloway, who was appointed president of the boardin late March, was known for his unwavering beliefs in improvingthe school district.

“He had strong convictions about what he believed in and thestands he took for the school district,” Barrett said. “Everyoneheld him in such great respect and had great respect for hisservice to our children.”

Holloway, 73, also served as a Brookhaven alderman from1985-1989.

Barrett said she will always remember him for his love for hishome.

“When I took the job here in Brookhaven, I remember he looked atme and said, ‘This is as close to Heaven on Earth as you’ll everbe,'” she said. “I’ll never forget that. He loved it here.”

Holloway leaves behind his wife, Johnette Holloway, and hissons, Dexter and Charles Holloway.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Tyler Funeral Home, andare incomplete.