Donald Ray Holland, a long-time resident of the Gadsden area, passed away Friday the 11th of January. Don was born April 15th, 1932 in Gadsden, where he began his mission to leave a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Don spent a majority of his life in the U.S. Air Force and retired in Gadsden where he continued his civil service working for the state of Alabama.
We are positive that Papa Don left this world to finalize one of the many stories he would tell over the years; which one is still unknown. He may be hunting the largest buck to ever walk this earth, visiting his alien baby that gave him a scar or setting up a snipe hunting lodge.
We do know that Papa Don is wearing his white sneakers with his tall black socks, and enjoying the fireworks even when he knows the fire will start soon.
He is survived by his wife Myron Holland, four daughters; Donna Williams and husband Walter of Fort Worth, Connie Tallent and husband Danny of Griffin, Annette Petry and husband Bobby of Azle, Patty Leonard and husband Edward of Atalla, 10 grandchildren, countless great-grandchildren and had just had his first great-great-grandson. Don was preceded in death by his daughter Donna Phillips and grandson Christopher Brian Nance.
Funeral services, with military honors, will be on Saturday, January 19th at 2 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Chapel with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Collier-Butler Funeral Service of Gadsden has been entrusted with arrangements.
