Steven William Houlder

Steve was born in Helena, Arkansas to Dorothy Mae Stevenson and Clifford James Houlder on August 5, 1951. At the age of 5, Steve, along with his two older brothers, Jim and Bob, moved with their parents to Memphis, Tennessee. Steve spent his summers selling cold drinks out of his wagon to the construction workers at his dad’s company, fishing in fishing ponds, and playing little league baseball as catcher. Steve graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1969.

Steve attended Auburn University to study Aviation Management and there he met the love of his life, Leigh. Steve graduated from Auburn in 1973 with a BS degree in Aviation Management, and, one month later, Steve and Leigh married on July 7, 1973 – a marriage which spanned 52 years. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Nancy Adele and Mary Kathryn, a wonderful son-in-law, Robby, and two beautiful grandchildren, Kara and Rob.

Steve worked for Delta Airlines for 31 years as a District Marketing Manager in San Antonio, Texas and as a Regional Manager in Properties in the General Offices of Delta. During that time, Steve earned a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from Georgia State University. Steve then worked for the federal government in the General Services Administration as a Senior Property Manager.

Steve was an avid reader and researcher and possessed a love of learning that stayed with him throughout his life. Through his hard work, it was said that he could accomplish more than any ten people. However, his favorite role for himself was that of Husband, Dad, and Granddad.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Clifford James Houlder; his mother, Dorothy Mae Houlder; and his brother, Robert Lewis Houlder.

Steve is survived by his wife, Leigh; his daughter, Nancy Adele Houlder; his daughter, Mary Kathryn Senger; son-in-law, Robby Senger; two grandchildren, Kara Senger and Rob Senger; and a brother, Jim Houlder.

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm with a visitation at 1:00 pm at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, Georgia. Rev. Randy DeGroot and Rev. Tim Rogers will co-officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s honor to the Covenant Global Methodist Church of Newnan Building Fund at P.O. Box 777, Newnan, Georgia 30264.