Ashland, OH: Archway Publishing (January 31, 2024)

Paperback. Signed.

New.

In this book I am reliving memories of many families about the lives and times in the mid-Twentieth Century Mississippi Delta as I experienced them. Hopefully, these recollections can help readers recognize events and places that were integral to their own upbringing during these formative years. Or maybe inspire others to jog their own images of Delta life they remember. Read. Reflect. Laugh. Cry. Relive growing up in the Delta from your own perspective.

The years just after World War II witnessed an idyllic era which packed explosive agricultural and industrial growth, and which provided a perfect small town atmosphere for raising families. But as more widespread integration was introduced in the '60's, many abrupt changes occurred in the area. Wealth shifted among families and races. Racially separated schools were consolidated. Some businesses prospered, many others shuttered their doors. Opportunities finally opened for some citizens just as they slammed shut for others. Growth in Queen City Greenville and other nearby enclaves peaked and then began to spiral downward. No matter where you live today, one truth still rings true, however. If you were born or raised as a child of the Delta, you will always be a proud child of the Delta.... a Delta Boy (or Girl).

Gene Holiman, a native of Greenville, is the author of the new memoir "Once A Delta Boy, Always A Delta Boy"... or girl! After a 40-year career in advertising and marketing in both Memphis and Austin, Texas, , he retired and then began an encore career as a writer. Earlier he published a marketing primer for small businesses entitled "Marketing Without Dollars" - of which he is now polishing an updated edition - and also has several live stage plays and children's picture books in the works.

The author's email signature describes his passions as I WRITE BOOKS, I RIDE TRAINS, and I SERVE OTHERS - the latter primarily through his Rotary affiliations in multiple capacities ranging all the way up to being the Governor of District 5870 in Central Texas in 2017-18. Gene and Kathleen Holiman have been happily married for over 52 years and have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law, one granddaughter and one grandson. Fortunately all live within the Greater Austin area, so the senior Holimans have been fortunate enough to watch all their younger family members grow up in their presence.

Having lived in Texas now for over 40 years, Mr. Holiman is most assuredly a True Texan now, but he has never lost his Southern accent or his affinity for all things Mississippi, and returns to visit the area and dear friends at least annually. This "Delta Boy" memoir was a long-time coming. Mr. Holiman says he prematurely announced its pending availability at his 50th high school reunion in 2015, but then life kept getting in his way... and his memories kept forming in his mind to necessitate changes in his manuscript. Finally, the first books were published on January 31 of this year.

His memoir encourages each of us relive our own past memories of growing up in the Delta . We have all likely shared some of these experiences; others were entertaining youthful exploits we've probably strived to forget. Mr. Holiman pointed out that some of us just might recognize ourselves as the protagonists - or even the antagonists - in some of his adventures. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a visit down memory lane. Plain and simple, projecting hope for the future through pride in the past, here in the Mississippi Delta.