Individual Details

Death

Richard Rock Holder, 81, died Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2015 and at 12 Noon Friday at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at the funeral home with burial following at Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Holder was born on May 8, 1934 in Jackson, the son of the late, Andrew Jackson Holder and Lela Furr Holder. He began working at age 4, selling newspapers on Capitol Street in Jackson and working as a page at the Mississippi Senate in middle school. A graduate of Hinds Community College, he earned his Associates Degree in Fire Science. Mr. Holder was in Mississippi's first graduating class for EMT certification. He worked for the city of Jackson Fire Department for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. As an EMT, he saved hundreds of lives, was widely respected throughout the department and was known for his fearlessness and putting others before himself. After retirement with the city, he accepted a position with the Veterans Affairs Board for 5 years prior to retiring again to work for Car Quest, serving as their certified driving safety instructor. Mr. Holder was a veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was an avid golfer and Ole Miss football fan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara B. Holder of Brandon; daughters, Jonna Holder Welch, of Brandon and Tammy Holder Bowen and husband, Jeremy of Brandon; special niece, Chandra Partlow and husband, J.J. of DeBary, FL.; grandchildren, Ashleigh Picou and husband, Chris of Madison; Dusty Welch and wife, Nikki of Brandon; great grandchildren, Zach Curtis, Cheyenne Welch and Brockston Picou. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Holder and wife, Shirley of Florence; and sister, Barbara Ann Holder of Mustang, TX.
Published in Clarion Ledger on Sept. 24, 2015