Paul M. Holly, born on February 4, 1935, led an illustrious career in sports officiating and coaching before being inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2008. Holly's dedication to the TSSAA spanned over three decades, during which he demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the association and high school sports as a whole.

Holly embarked on his journey with the TSSAA as an official in 1964, a role he maintained with distinction until 1985. Over these 21 years, he officiated football, track & field, basketball, and volleyball. His expertise in football was evident through his consistent involvement in many post-season contests, showcasing his abilities in high-stakes games. His contributions to basketball were equally notable, officiating numerous district, region, and substate tournaments and working two prestigious TSSAA State Tournaments, highlighting his exceptional officiating skills and understanding of the game.

In addition to his officiating duties, Holly also made substantial contributions as a teacher and coach at Cypress Junior High School. He coached football and track & field, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to nurturing young athletes' talents across multiple sports disciplines.

From 1985 until 1996, Holly further solidified his legacy within the TSSAA by serving as the Supervisor of Officials for the Mid-South Football Officials Association for 11 years. This role involved overseeing the quality and integrity of officiating, emphasizing his leadership skills and his ability to mentor and develop other officials.

Beyond his contributions at the high school level, Holly's talents were recognized at the collegiate and professional levels. He officiated basketball in several collegiate conferences, including the Volunteer State, Metro, Southwestern Athletic, and Ohio Valley Conferences. His expertise in officiating also extended to the professional basketball leagues, the NBA and ABA, and in football, he officiated for the SWAC and the World Football League.

Paul M. Holly's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2008 was a testament to his significant contributions to high school athletics in Tennessee, his skill and integrity as an official across multiple sports, and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship and development of young athletes.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2008
Category: Official