James Bill Holland's Obituary
James Hugh Holland, known by his family and friends as Bill, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 27, 2018.
Bill was born September 2, 1926, in Panola County, to David Mordie Holland and Lois Allison. He attended school in the Fairplay community through the sixth grade and then graduated from high school at Carthage.
During World War II, Bill attended basic training at Catalina Island in California. He then served in the merchant marines carrying war supplies around the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
After the war, he married the love of his life, Martha Jean Flanagan, from Henderson. The first years of their marriage Bill worked for the Santa Fe Railroad in Pineland, Bronson, Carthage, and Center. Then in 1958, they moved to Henderson. He worked at Fuller Mason Tire Company, Burks Tires, and at Quality Tire as a front end mechanic. Bill loved anything mechanical, anything he set his mind to he could usually fix. After retirement, he loved to go fishing, and work with his boats and motors.
Having been raised on the farm in Panola County, Bill loved animals and critters of all sorts. With an incubator, he raised pheasants and quail. He had beehives, drilled water wells, planted gardens, and raised dogs, goats, cows, and horses. He always stayed busy and was looking for some new interest to try.
Bill loved to help people. Locals would often share how he had worked on their car, lawnmower, fence, or house. He would do anything to help people when asked.
Bill is survived by his children: Mike Holland and wife Beth of Henderson, Pam Howard and husband Mark of Henderson, and Leanne Harwell and husband Eddie of Lufkin.
He is also survived by five grandchildren: Phil Howard, Kirk Howard and wife Kelly, Karen Champion and husband Nathan, Michelle Holland, Lacey Hendry and husband Adam; and six great grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Eddie Harwell, Adam Hendry, Billy Hendry, Steve Holland, Mark Howard, and Jack Powers. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Jones, Bill Kirk, Chris Long, and Charles Wilson.
The Funeral service on Wednesday May 30th, will be held at the Rader Funeral Home in Henderson. Family visitation is from 10 to 11a.m., and the service is at 11a.m., followed by burial at Lakewood Memorial Park cemetery in Henderson.
The service will be led by Pastor Fred Powell and Terry Holland.
Memorials can be made to Second Baptist Church in Henderson.
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