Wiley Bruce Holland, affectionately known as Bruce, 86, passed away on October 10, 2026, after a life marked by loyalty, integrity, humility, and genuine kindness toward others. Above all Bruce was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose love for his family was at the center of his life.
Bruce was born on September 9, 1940, in Chestnut, Louisiana and raised in Sarepta, Louisiana. He graduated from Sarepta High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Bruce continued his education at Northwestern State University, where he earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration.
After graduating from Northwestern, Bruce began what would become a 25-year career with Shell Oil Company, where he worked as a drilling foreman until his retirement in 1991. Over the years Bruce also held various part-time positions at Delta Downs Racetrack, including working on the starting gates in his younger years. He remained a part-time employee of Delta Downs throughout his later years until his passing. During his years at Delta Downs Bruce formed many meaningful friendships with coworkers and others he met along the way. For many years, he traveled throughout Louisiana helping his longtime friend Duane Domingue with his horse tattooing business.
Family was at the heart of Bruce’s life. He was deeply devoted to his beloved wife of 60 years Marla, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They brought him immeasurable joy. He was always there for the people he loved, offering his support, guidance, and a helping hand whenever it was needed. To his family, Bruce was a steady presence and a quiet example of patience, kindness, and integrity. Bruce found great joy in the time he spent surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Bruce found happiness in many of life’s simple pleasures. He loved the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter-a lifelong passion that remained an important part of his life until his passing. He also had a lifelong love of horses and a deep appreciation for western art. In his younger years, he enjoyed working cows at Grey Ranch. Some of his most peaceful moments were spent sitting on the back patio he built, enjoying his morning coffee and watching the birds in his backyard.
Bruce was a lifelong reader with a great love of books and could often be found searching the library or area thrift stores for his next good read. His love of reading gave him a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, something that often came through in even the simplest conversation with him.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, John Wiley and Lura Vee Holland and beloved sister Barbara Hollis. Bruce leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory . He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marla Holland; his children, Carmen Thomason(Don), Darryl Holland (Cotina); his grandchildren, Hillary Robertson (Trent), Hannah Foley (John), Anna Beth Billeaudeau (Stephen ), Zachary Holland, and Kyle Holland. He’s also survived by his beloved brothers Gerald Holland (Pat) and Allen Holland (Louise); along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Vinton on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 2-4pm. Words of comfort, memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hixsonvinton.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Bruce's name to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation at https://lawff.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/556143/Default.aspx.
