Winter Park Businessman, Artist and Scholar Christopher Allen Holler, Ph.D., 54, died June 14, 2023. His cherished wife of 28 years, Danyal, and family members were at his side when he peacefully passed. He was Vice President of the Holler-Classic Automotive Group and Co-President of real estate operations.

Born on October 1, 1968 in Winter Park, Florida, he is the son of Juliette (Judi) Holler and the late Roger William Holler, Jr. He leaves behind his wife, Danyal; daughter Emmalee; sons Christopher, Jr. “Colt” and David; son-in-law Chase; grandson Bowen Lee and granddaughters Ella Grace and River.

He is also survived by his brother, Roger Holler III (Sallye) and sister, Jill Holler Rogers (Mike). David and Sulyn McLeod, Danyal’s parents, his sister-in-law, and many cousins and close nieces and nephews also share in the family’s immense grief.

Chris and Danyal met in 7th grade and graduated together from Trinity Preparatory School. They reunited and married after college. Both accomplished artists, they shared a love of God, art and family. Their marriage was rooted in faith and love. Chris never took that love for granted and thanked God every day for his blessings. He was profoundly loyal, kind, humble and lived by example, not words. He was a Gideon and carried Bibles in his car to give to those in need. He did this as a way to spread the Living Word of God to others and share his love of Christ.

Chris explored many mediums in art and became an accomplished sculptor of primarily liturgical works and family members. An exhibition of his works entitled “To God be the Glory” debuted in 2008 at the Polasek Museum. His exceptionally realistic and inspiring life-size bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ welcomes all to the entrance of AdventHealth Winter Park, the location he was born and passed. Its right hand’s patina is worn by visitors and physicians who touch the statue for inspiration and while praying. It serves as a reminder of Christ’s presence and His role as The Great Physician and Healer. Just outside the hospital entrance is his stunning bronze rendition of The Lion and The Lamb.

Chris’ strong sense of family was instilled by his mother and father. He inherited his artistic abilities from his Dad. Coming from a long line of legendary industry leaders, he was the great-grandson of General Motors icon William E. Holler, and son of Roger Holler, Jr., who founded Holler-Classic Automotive Group. His maternal grandfather was a Cadillac and Rolls-Royce dealer as well. In 2005, Chris was awarded the prestigious TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award for exceptional performance and distinguished community service.

Along with being an accomplished businessman, he had a lifelong passion for learning. He holds 19 United States Patents and authored a book that is housed in the United States Library of Congress. He was also a private investigator and completed the FBI Citizens Academy. In 1996, Chris was bestowed as a Knight Grand Commander of the Sovereign and Independent Order of St. Andrew of Jerusalem, which honors those who give selflessly to Christian charitable endeavors.

In 1991, Dr. Holler earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Communication. In 2001, he obtained the honorary degree Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D. in Business Administration from Cosmopolitan University. He graduated cum laude in 2002 with a Master of Science degree in Biology from Parkwood University. In 2004, he went on to achieve summa cum laude in his Doctor of Philosophy in Biology from Parkwood University in London. In addition, he completed a Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbus University in 2006.

Beyond academics, he had a wide range of interests and hobbies including a knowledge of history, cars, weaponry, movies, animation, cane making, cooking and much more. Although his knowledge was vast and accomplishments immense, nothing was more important to him than his family, friends and faith. Chris Holler was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was affectionately called Pop Pop and one of his greatest joys was his grandchildren. His warmth, vision, encouragement and selflessness will be sorely missed by all who loved him and the community he served.

Chris contributed to the community as president of the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association and as a board member for AdventHealth Winter Park. Some of the organizations and charities he supported include: The Gideons International, Grace Church Orlando, Creation Ministries, FORGE Men, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, Habitat for Humanity, Florida State University and The University of Central Florida.

Memorial Service will be held at:

11: 00 a.m.

Friday, June 30, 2023

Grace Orlando Church