Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A Barnwell legend and a pillar of the community has retired.
Lawson “Sport” Holland Jr. has retired and sold his iconic Sport’s convenience store in Barnwell after more than 30 years, though his family’s roots of serving the community goes back a lot further.
“I will miss my customers. They are the greatest people in the world,” said Sport.
He thanks every customer for their support over the years. However, they were more than people who purchased gas, snacks, coffee, and cold drinks – they were family. That fact won’t change even as he retires.
LEGACY OF SERVICE
The Holland family has been serving Barnwell County for generations.
Sport’s grandfather, the late Theodore Ashton Holland, operated a grocery store that had two gas pumps on the site of the current Sport’s building for many years. Sport’s father, Lawson J. Holland Sr., took over the store in the 1950s and remodeled the store. The original building was later replaced in 1972 with a self-service station that had a small store with bathrooms and a canopy. After Sport took over the family business in the 1990s, he tore down the old building in 1999 and built the current building. Prior to taking over the station, Sport operated a tire shop behind the station, which is now operated by his son Chris. Sport also served more than 20 years as a magistrate judge.
Throughout all the changes, the Holland family’s commitment to service never faltered.
“Faith and values are number one. We believe in treating everybody like we want to be treated,” said Sport. “We don’t exist without the customers. I thank them for all the great times we’ve had.”
Sport also thanks his loyal employees – past and present – who remain part of his extended family as well. His first cashier was Peggy Collins. Though employees have come and gone, one employee, Marie Walker, has been with Sport since the beginning.
“Sport’s would not have been the business it was without her. She was with us since day one at the station, but has worked with my family for over 40 years,” said Alison Holland Stevens, Sport’s daughter.
EXTENDED FAMILY
After more than 30 years in business, Holland has a large extended family.
“He is a true man of God, loves his community, and loves his people! I grew going into this store. He was always the best therapist, a shoulder or a helping hand! He kept that store stocked with all the goodies that his customers love!” said Hannah Dixon.
Bernice Brooker said Sport is a “one-of-a-kind that never met a stranger.”
“Sport is a man of honor and respects his fellow man, regardless of who he/she is, or the need they represent. I have never seen Sport without a smile or a kind word. Everyone who knows him respects him. Here's wishing Sport a long peaceful retirement filled with happiness and joy as he steps into this new phase of life!” said Roxie Creech.
Scotty Mazzara met Sport after moving to Barnwell County four years ago. “This man has been beyond a store owner, beyond a local business owner. He has been a pal you can talk with about life and someone that took pride in not only his establishment but in his relationship with each and every person that walked through his door,” said Mazzara.
“Thank you, Sport, for you and your family's dedication and service to the Barnwell community for so many years. You have gone above and beyond for us,” said Beth Branham.
Savanna Still remembers Sport helping her in high school after her car ran out of gas near his store. “I didn’t know what to do so I left with a friend. I came back to him and another guy pushing my car to his store where he filled me up,” she said.
Amy Coto said Sport has “always had a smile and such a kind heart!” She remembers when she took the kids from her Sunday school class to get a drink and snack after church that he would not allow her to pay, telling her it was taken care of.
“I remember before the new store was built, he would give a hand filling up your tank or washing a windshield. He has done so much for so many folks and will be missed. Truly the last of a certain breed of man,” said Sam Grubbs.
Leslie Platt said Sport helped her many times with car issues, including going to the auto parts store to get her oil and then putting the oil in her car. “You don’t see people like him offering to help the patrons like that anymore,” she said.
However, Sport not only helped her with car issues, but also encouraged Platt to quit smoking every time she’d stop by Sport’s to buy cigarettes. “He would tell me a story about a family member who had bad health problems from smoking. And then tell me, ‘You need to quit those things.’ I would say, ‘I know…I will someday.’ He was so happy the day I came in to buy some water and he said, ‘That it?’ I said, ‘Yes sir, I quit smoking,’” said Platt.
Though he moved away from Barnwell in 2005, Joel Sanders will always remember Sport’s commitment to service and hard work. “I still remember him running out and pumping gas and cleaning the windshield for my grandmother as a kid. He always seemed to be an example of what was good in a small town – hard-working and self-made.”
“Many people came to your store not to just buy gas or something inside, but to see you. Others would come to you for advice, because they knew you would give suggestions. No one will ever know how many people you helped through the years,” said Rev. Billy Vaughn.
As a kid, Anderson Corder remembers going to Sport’s with his parents to buy Coca-Cola in a glass, penny candy, and the newest edition of The People-Sentinel. As a young adult, he worked nearby and would stop in Sport’s for refreshments and advice. “Sport was always working hard but always had a moment to give a greeting with a smile. Gave great advice too. His wisdom, kindness and great customer service will be missed. They don’t make them like Sport Holland anymore,” said Corder.
“He always made you feel welcome and appreciated. That is how all the businesses should operate. May God continue to bless you,” said Vickie Smith.
Chris Macomber started working for Sport earlier this year. In that short time, she said she’s witnessed Sport be “giving” and “loving” to others. “Anytime he could help someone, he never hesitated. It didn’t matter who you were. I have been truly blessed to have worked and get to know a man that is a true legend in Barnwell,” said Macomber.
LEGACY CONTINUES
PGB Petroleum, the new owners of Sport’s, plans to continue the legacy the Holland family provided for decades.
“I’m excited for Mr. Holland to be entering this new chapter and giving me opportunity to continue his legacy,” said Parker Boehme, who owns PGB Petroleum.
Boehme said he shares a lot of the same values and priorities as Sport, including treating people with kindness and respect. He attributes much of this to his Christian faith.
“A lot of the values I try to bring to the company definitely come from God,” said Boehme.
Many people pass through a convenience store like Sport’s each day. Boehme said this provides an opportunity to touch people’s lives in a positive way, such as praying for people who are having a bad day or going through a tough situation.
“You never know what somebody is walking through. We have the opportunity to play a big role in their life,” he said. “Our God, above all, will take care of rest.”
In 2019, Boehme started his own small chain of convenience stores. Though Boehme lives in Charleston, he is familiar with Barnwell and Sport’s. Boehme’s father-in-law, David Mixon, owns Allendale-based Mixon Oil, which supplies fuel to Sport’s. Boehme’s grandfather-in-law and Sport’s father also played a weekly poker game for many years.
“It’s in good hands,” said Sport of Boehme taking over the store.
Just like Sport, Boehme said he wants to build relationships with residents, businesses, and the towns. “I take pride in being part of the community,” said Boehme.
The store will continue to be open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. However, Boehme is bringing back Sunday hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Though the ownership is changing, their commitment to service is not. Plus, they still plan to have the “coldest drinks in town.”
