Laurie Edgar Holder Jr.

Born in Garner in 1939 as the first child of Laurie E. Holder and Alice Beaman Holder, Laurie’s life was lived with a deep appreciation of his home place and his extended family. He was the grandson of Harvey Holder and May Bagwell Holder, and older brother to "Sister" Nelda Holder.

A graduate of Garner High School (Class of 1957), Laurie was a journalism major at the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1961 and immediately beginning a career with the Raleigh News & Observer where his career included reporting on county government and then the state legislature. He eventually became editorial page editor.

After his retirement from the N&O, he earned a graduate degree in education at N.C. State and served a full second career as a high school English teacher -- much beloved by his Millbrook High School students who, on his final day before retirement from teaching, rewarded him with a large cardboard box containing a small black kitten which he cherished for many years.

Laurie was also a vocalist of local renown, following the Holder family singing tradition, and was involved for many years with the Raleigh Oratorio Society and other choral groups, and as a tenor soloist with various area churches.

He is survived by his sister Nelda Holder of Raleigh, and his much loved nephew, Christopher Clemmons of Raleigh and his family: wife Daisy Cooper Clemmons and daughters Dale Holder Clemmons and Larkin Meade Clemmons. He is also survived by a beloved aunt, Mary Lee (Holder) Rule of Raleigh, age 100, and a cluster of Holder cousins who for years he meet with monthly for Cousins Lunch in Raleigh.

Laurie will be laid to rest on December 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm, in Bagwell Family Cemetery; 5898 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the following organizations:

Raleigh Rescue Mission

https://give.raleighrescue.org/give/717686/?

Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

https://secure.foodbankcenc.org/site/Donation2?

Doctors without Borders

https://give.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/744787/donate?

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Holder family.