Clarence Ira Holland

Near the end he found peace and was able to say his goodbyes. He was able to forgive people in his life and hopefully be forgiven. He wasn’t a man that said I love you on a regular basis but he wanted his children know that he loved them unconditionally and just wanted them to be ok. He was ready to meet his maker, we’re just not sure his maker was ready to meet him. Good luck God!

Chuck is predeceased by his son Darrell Holland, parents Elizabeth Sutton and Clarence Holland, his siblings Jim, RD, Deaner, Carolin, Hazel, and Mildred.

Chuck is survived by his brother Curt; children Anthony Ira, Gene and Patty. As well as his grandchildren Natalie, Anthony Joseph, Allen, Anthony and Justin.

He is also survived by his devoted and loving wife Christina of 64 years. Anyone who knew Clarence knew that this was no easy feat. Even though Christina is just a petite lady compared to him she was the true strength that made 64 years possible. A lot about them was very opposite but that’s what made a beautiful balance.

Chuck knew the moment he laid eyes on her, he said “while walking in the chow line at the military hospital that she was the gal for him.” Christine however, needed him to woo her but he finally won her heart forever.

Chuck was the eldest child born in Monette, Arkansas in 1935 amidst the wave of the Great Depression. His early years were humble to say the least but according to siblings full of love. His sister Chris shared that he and his brother Jim would collect nightcrawlers to sell so that they could buy milk for her as a baby. Even as a young child he had heart of gold. The family would follow the fruit harvest to Michigan every year. Usually it was peaches. His father died when he was just a young child and his mother only had 25 cents. As the oldest son he had to grow up quickly to help the family. Once we became of age he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served from September 1952 to December 1955. When he first enlisted he went to San Diego, CA for his boot camp. Later he was sent to El Toro Marine Base in Orange County, CA for training in the Supply Department. He spent a year at Kaneohoe Air Base in Hawaii and nine months in Chochin, South Korea during the Korean War. Luckily, he never engaged in combat.

He will be remembered for his larger than life and tenacious spirit. He was playful and a bit ornery. He always had a twinkle in his eye when giving someone a hard time or about to pull some of his antics. You were only a stranger but once to Chuck.

He had his own opinion and would often share his advice with family and friends, asked for or not. He was honest to a fault, you never had to wonder what Chuck was thinking as he wouldn’t hesitate to let you know and in true Chuck fashion use the hand gestures of rolling his wrist and pointing his finger to emphasize his words.

Despite his crusty exterior, cutting remarks and stubbornness he really was a loving, giving and caring person. Chuck always went above and beyond. He was always there for people and wouldn’t turn down anyone that needed help.

Chuck enjoyed bowling and even won several trophies. He also loved to be outside. He would grow his own fruits and vegetables just as his own mother did and always had a garden wherever he moved. He could cook the most delicious peach cobbler and other things from scratch. Fishing above all was his favorite hobby. He was a true DIY guy always creating something in his garage. His philosophy was “why buy it when you can make it”. He was thrifty but a great provider.

He never said no to a job and worked many odd jobs until he landed with the Goodyear Tire & Automotive Company. He started out as a Sales Manager and moved up the ranks to Business Counselor. After his long career working and traveling for Goodyear he decided he would become his own boss and purchased his first Goodyear store in Yuba City in 1981. He named it Holland and Sons Tire & Automotive. 10 years later he opened a second location in North Highlands.

With all his success he still remained a simple man at heart. Although he was stubborn and had a tough side, he taught us all how to be a little softer. He taught us how important it is to tell our children and family that we love them and are proud of them. Not just say it once in a blue moon but to make sure and say it every day. Looking back there was a lesson in everything he did and now we understand that he was trying to teach us something. That we didn’t have to go through the hardships of life like he did to understand. Today we thank him for those lessons that we are now grateful for and will be carried on. Chuck is going to be greatly missed but cherished in all of our memories.

The celebration of life will be held at Acheson & Graham, 7944 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504 on July 27, 2020 with Pastor Albert Aguilar presiding. Full Military rites will follow at the Riverside National Cemetery at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard Riverside, CA 92518. A reception will take place at 850 Sugar Maple Lane Corona, CA 92881.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences for the family may be offered online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/riverside-ca/clarence-holland-9265035