Services for Raymond C. “Ray” Holder will be 11:00a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Inola Funeral Home Chapel; burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 13 from 1—8p.m., with family receiving visitors from 6—8p.m. Ray passed away at his home on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the age of 66.
Born April 4, 1948 in Sanger, Texas to Rufus and Cora Mae (Strange) Holder, Ray received his education in his birth community and also Hobbs, New Mexico. In February of 1969 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country. Following his discharge he re-enlisted, this time in the Army. Ray finished his duties with the Army and continued his service with the National Guard.
Ray worked for several different trucking companies as an over the road truck driver. While driving through the state of Oklahoma he met a lady that was waiting tables at a local truck stop. They hit it off and on August 9, 1973 they were married. Inola became their home and together they raised three boys.
An avid fisherman, Ray enjoyed frequent trips to his favorite fishing spot. A good day for Ray was fishing in the morning and watching old western movies in the afternoon. He was a proud “Papaw” to his grandchildren who loved him. He would do anything to help someone in need. Ray was a quiet man, but could carry on a conversation to a complete stranger.
A wonderful husband, father, Papa and friend, Ray will be missed by all who knew him. Those family members that survive include his wife Jenny of their home in Inola; his sons Bryan Burns and wife Darla of Tulsa, Jeff Burns of Verdigris and Brad Holder also of Verdigris; his grandchildren Brandy Neasbitt and husband Richard, Melanie Roof and husband A.J., Brett Burns, Kaylee Burns, Matthew Burns, Michael Burns, Kyle Burns and Hailey Holder; his great grandchildren Jonathan, Arron, David and Daniel Neasbitt and Bentley and Cameron Roof; his brothers James Holder and wife Norma and Robert Holder and wife Ellen; his sister Macy Howerton and husband Ervin. Ray was preceded in death by his parents