Holly DeLayne Malmay Wales

On the morning of February 21st, Holly Wales passed away peacefully and pain free after a hard-fought battle with Stage IV cancer. 

 Born to Jimmie Lee Bamburg Sanders and Lawrence DeWayne Malmay. Holly grew up being loved on by her parents, her mom, Jimmie Lee and stepfather Don Sanders. She is the youngest child in a group of four sisters named in order of descent, Kelly McKleroy (Bobby), Kathy Bazemore (Russell) and Cindy Pagan (James). 

Holly grew up in Greenbrier, Alabama and went to school locally until she graduated from Tanner high school. Following her high school graduation, she obtained her Associate’s Degree from Calhoun Community College. Immediately following an Associate's Degree she pursued and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Athens State University. Thus began her career as a Network Engineer where she felt privileged to work for organizations such as Colsa and Quintron where she received the pleasure of getting to protect and maintain the firewalls of the “International Space Station.” For many years, Holly was a cornerstone of the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) team, a bright and kind soul who consistently provided exceptional service and support to both foreign and domestic partners. As one of the lead Network Engineers in the HOSC Networking Group, her expertise was invaluable, but it was her joyful spirit and unwavering willingness to help that truly set her apart. Holly’s legacy built on genuine friendship, warmth, laughter, and extends far beyond her role at NASA. She was a true friend to many, and her impact will be deeply missed by colleagues and people around the world.

Holly spent much of her adult life exploring the world with family and friends, going on adventures such as camel-back riding through the dunes of a desert or skiing the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. At the young age of 50, she and two close friends started a band named 3Way Handshake. Over time this group became a common name for Huntsville live bands, playing at local charity events and popular establishments such as furniture factory. 

Holly Wales was exceptionally extroverted. The joy that she received from spending time with others led her to develop life-long and loving relationships. There was little in the world more important to her than family or friends. Before she was laid to rest, her dying wish was to be able to witness the life of her first granddaughter. She held on to life just long enough to welcome her first granddaughter Raven Jade Agnew into the world, then passed away shortly after. Holly Wales is survived by her two kids, Lucas Glen Wales and Lauren DeLayne Wales, who were born during her union with Marcus Wales, and her first granddaughter Raven Jade Agnew; born to daughter Lauren Wales and her husband Sean Agnew. 

Holly Wales touched the lives of everyone she encountered in a positive way and dedicated her life to taking care of the people she loved. Holly was not just a loved child, parent or friend to many people. She was everything to everyone. She cherished and valued people the same way she believed God does, completely and unconditionally. Holly never missed an opportunity to make sure everyone saw and knew their inner good and no person was left behind. Holly not only loved God but was the active faithful servant. She was fierce, intelligent and beyond loving. Holly easily lit up a room with her contagious laughter and silly personality, always finding good and joy in any moment. Her Passing is a devastating time, but her life also changed the lives of so many, she cannot help but leave an unforgettable legacy behind. She will always be remembered for everything she did and loved so greatly for everything she was. 

 She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Dewayne Malmay, her nephew, Manny Pagan, and her grandparents. Along with those already mentioned she is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Pam) Cummings, Jessica (Brandon) Brown, Jennifer (Paul) Gretz, and Ariana Pagan and eight great nieces and nephews and many special cousins. 

 Anyone desiring to send a memorial, please consider the American Cancer Society. 

Holly’s memorial will be March 1, 2025 at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home on Hughes Road, Madison, Alabama with receiving friends starting at 11 am. Service to immediately follow. Additional receiving of friends and family repast (reception). 1:30 until 4:30 at New Gooch Place. 500 Gooch Lane Madison, AL March 1. Please join us for this special time of reflection and celebration.