Bob Holland

Funeral services for Doctor Bob Holland, 84, of Longview, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at the Greggton First Baptist Church, with the Reverend Bobby Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Center Cemetery of Harleton.

Surrounded by his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and his precious pastor, Bob left this world and passed into eternal glory with his Lord and Savior on Monday morning March 12, 2007.

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather was born August 19, 1922, in Jefferson, to Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Holland. He graduated from Jefferson High School before answering his country's call to duty during World War II. Bob proudly served in the European Theater as a corporal in the U.S. Army.

In 1947, Bob met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, Wilma Simmons Holland. In 1987, Bob retired, after 35 years of dedicated service, from Hunt Oil Co., and he and Wilma returned to East Texas to be close to their three children: Phyllis, Ronald and Margaret; their families; and numerous brothers; sisters; nieces; and nephews.

He was an active member of the Men of Abraham Sunday School Class at Greggton First Baptist Church in Longview, and was a 50-year member of the Jefferson Masonic Lodge. Bob especially enjoyed the time he spent playing the piano at nursing homes and as an 11-year member of the Good Shepherd Medical Center Auxiliary. Bob believed his musical ability was a gracious gift from God, and he loved to share that gift, bringing joy to all who heard him play.

Bob was an honorable Christian man who lived his life as an example to his children and grandchildren. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, friends and his country, Bob touched so many people's lives with his music and his generous spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Wilma; daughters, Phyllis Barton and husband, Gary and Margaret Blakeley and husband, Alan; son: Ronald Holland and wife, Jan; grandchildren, Heidi Parker and husband, Gregg, Heather Snell and husband, Jonathan, Holly Barton, Lindsay Holland, Brandon Blakeley and Brooke Blakeley; and five great-grandchildren.

Pall bearers will be his grandchildren.

The family would like to express it's gratitude to the nursing staff at Good Shepherd Medical Center, Texas Home Health Hospice and especially to Dr. Margaret, who all showed such care and compassion during our time of need.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. this evening, March 13, 2007, at Rader Funeral Home of Longview.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at raderfh.com.