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Theopolis Holeman
Theopolis Holeman
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Theopolis Holeman Obituary
Theopolis Holeman was born a "Friend of God" to Charlie and Maude Holeman on September 20, 1949. Growing up on the "bayou side" in Brickey's, AR with his seven siblings, he learned the value of education and hard work at an early age.
Theopolis earned his undergraduate degree in construction technology from the University of Memphis in 1971 and his MBA from the University of Houston in 1979, and in 1994, he completed the Stanford Executive Program. During his 41 year career with Duke and Spectra Energy, Theopolis garnered numerous accolades. Most notably, Black Enterprise Magazine recognized Theopolis as one of the Top 75 Most Powerful Black Executives in the U.S., and the University of Memphis honored Theopolis with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010. He served on countless industry, leadership and civic boards and generously donated his time and talent to causes focused on empowering the youth in local communities.
Theopolis was an active member of the First Colony Church of Christ for over 25 years. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother to his family. Through his leadership, Theopolis left an indelible impression on the energy industry, but his legacy will live on in the countless number of folks he led and mentored. He was a life-long fan of University of Memphis basketball, a voracious reader, and an avid golf player. He will be profoundly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the Theopolis Holeman Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created through the University of Memphis. Donations can be made via: http://www.memphis.edu/holeman.
A Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013, beginning at 10:00 AM, with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 AM, at First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd, Sugar Land. Interment will immediately follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rohby Word Mitchell
September 18, 2023
Our hearts will ever honor and remember.
Patty L. Shannon
September 14, 2023
Thinking of the entire Holeman family that has grown more since Theopolis´s passing. His good deeds, the love and kindness he showed to others, the light he brought to the world are eternal stones that never die.
Love & thoughts to Evelyn and family, Patty
Christopher Holeman
September 12, 2023
It's been 10 years since we've lost my dad and not a day goes by that I don't recall a lesson, a memory or express quiet gratitude for his example. I will forever be grateful to be Theopolis Holeman's son.
Miss you Dad.
James Abbott
September 12, 2023
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Evelyn Holeman
September 12, 2023
Theopolis, today makes 10 years since the Lord called you to be with him. I must say it is still so hard. When we lost you I said to the Lord, "I don't understand why, but I plead with you to help us accept and get through this huge loss." We will never be where we don't hurt or miss you, but God is with us and I am so grateful, especially for our sons.
You will never know what void you left by not being here. You have so many friends that remember you and express gratitude by having had you in their lives.
As your wife, I'm so grateful for the Lord blessing
me to have had you in my life. Thank you for our three sons. They are doing what you taught them to do as men. They truly take care and watch out for me.
Even as I write to you now, I hold back tears.
On the light side, I don't know if this was reversed that you would not have found someone, haha. I haven't been looking for anyone. I know you are laughing with the dry sense of humor you always showed. I miss the dry jokes with no facial expressions. I still remind our sons some of the sayings you would tell them. "Don't let anyone steal your thunder." "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face." "Give it your all." "Be intentional" and a few more I probably shouldn't write.
I didn't realize how therapeutic writing to you would be. However, I always talk to you.
Always know you are and always will be my one true
love.
Your love,
Evelyn (Baby)
Patty L Shannon
September 12, 2018
Love this picture of Theopolis! When I think and remember him these days all I feel is what a wonderful and ethical boss friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son he was. A man of faith that lived it each day.
We worked through many storms, hurricanes and difficulties here in the Carolinas while working for Duke Energy. Especially thinking of him now when Hurricane Florence is coming in 2018. Prayers for Evelyn and family. ❤ .
Patty
Shirley Williams Thorn
September 11, 2018
The Holeman family, Thinking of Theopolis and his family today September 11th 2018. I know that its hard each day without his presence. Theo's Legacy will live on through you and his children. MAY GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY. His classmate Shirley Williams Thorn class of Anna P. Strong High School 1967. Marianna, Arkansas.
Delta Nu Chapter Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity ( 1970-71) Theopolis Holeman, President
James Abbott
October 3, 2017
Shirley Williams Thorn
October 2, 2017
Holeman family, I thought on September 12, but I wanted to wait a little time to pass. So on tonight October 2, 2017 I could let your family know that I was thinking of you. Each day begin new with prayers and the love that you share for each other. High school classmate 1967 Anna Strong Marianna, Arkansas . Be Bless!
SHIRLEY WILLIAMS THORN
July 23, 2017
Holman Family,It have taken me almost four years to find Theo's obituary. He and I graduated from Anna Strong High School in May 1967,Marianna, Arkansas. He was a young man who knew what he wanted in life and what it took to get it. You could see it in his eyes the love for learning. He already knew how to set goals and follow them.(In high school)
He has a good spirit about himself and would offer help if you needed it. He never act like he was so smart, but he was. His best friend James Bank who was smart also. They joined our class from Brickey in the 9th grade. He celebrate a life so well lived . A family that he loved. His wife, children and grand children. The love of Mr. Charlie and all his sisters and their families. These are a few of my memories of Theopolis Holman in high school, he helped me to learn how to focus and set goals, Just by watching him. This year was our 50th year high school class reunion. It was held June 9-11, 2017
in Branson, Missouri. Mrs. E. Holman would you please mail me a copy of his funeral program, I would like to share it with our classmates at our next class meeting. I praying for our Heavenly Father for healing of the broken hearts as each day passes. All powers are in his hands. Thank you, Shirley Williams Thorn
3819 Hwy 261 Colt, Arkansas 72326
Mary Walker
September 12, 2016
Today I remember you Mr Holeman of how you brought so much class to the business world. You were such a mentor and encourager to many that worked around you. I am so happy I had the privilege to work for you. I miss you saying so many of your tidbits that had a comedic sound but so much truth to them. The one thing that we do keep in mind at the office is "stay in the moment" for the safety of the employees, our families and the Company. In your honor there are plaques posted in various locations in the Company with your picture to remind of us to stride to achieve that safety goal. The employee that wins that honor, their name will be listed on the plaque. WOW, look at you still getting us to do the right thing!
Blessings on your lovely family that I have grown to know and love even more since you have been with the Lord. We thank the Lord for your crossing our path on this journey.
Admin Assistant & Friend
Michael Bell
September 11, 2016
Uncle Theopolis, your presence was a silent yet impactful one. My father spoke highly of you and always told me to watch and listen to you. You did a great job with your boys and I'm thankful that they let me be a part of you and Aunt Eves life. I am forever grateful of your love, thoughtfulness and generosity.
September 11, 2016
My Love,
It has been so hard to write, because when I write, it is admitting that you are not physically here with us.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you, sometimes with tears and sometimes with smiles.
Losing you is still so painfully fresh at times. The void is so deep.
With God's grace we will continue to heal.
Truthfully, I try so hard to stay busy so that each painful anniversary will go by fast.
I know I always told you how much I appreciated you, and how important you were and still continue to be to all of us.
There is not too much we do that you are not a part of.
Whatever I give to especially our grandkids, I always write your name in parenthesis, so that they will never forget you.
Our Sons always quote your serious sayings and sometimes your funny sayings.
They are good Sons. They know you loved them so much because you never failed to tell them.
I have heard from your friends and colleagues about how you touched their lives. I hear your "stay in the moment" quote is used often.
Your legacy lives on.
We (us and your siblings) continue to take care of your Dad. He is amazing.
I must say I put off writing for 3 years. I couldn't. However, I find solace in doing so now. I know that I can write anytime. In fact I
made sure that anyone can write if they wish, for years to come.
I love and miss you so much.
Evelyn (your bride), as you would sometimes write.
In our HEARTS!
September 11, 2016
Hard to believe you have been gone from this earth "THE" for three years my beloved former boss @ Duke Energy. Think of you, Evelyn & your wonderful family so often. This world misses you and your wonderful advice and laugh! :). Know you are in a better place and we will see you one day. As you use to say, "at the end of the day, it is all good." Love your former executive secretary, Patty
JAZMYNE GUY
June 25, 2015
I think about you often uncle!
February 14, 2015
Baby,
I love you. I miss you terribly.
Your Baby Girl (Evelyn)
February 14, 2015
James Abbott
February 11, 2014
Theopolis Holeman was my best friend fron our days in college at University of Memphis (formerly University of Memphis). He, along with all my life ling friends from college pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in the summer of 1969. Theoplis, Al Hayes (deceased) and myself were member of the "Bearded Three" pledge class.
I had the priviledge of meeting his family while attending family events at his childhood home in Brickeys, AR and eating many dinners at his uncle harry's house in Memphis.
Our two oldest sons played together when they were small and we visited each others homes during our lifetime.
I had the priviledge of being hosted by Theoplis and Evelyn June 14-16, 2012 for my third born of four sons' wedding.They were gracious hosts and I am grateful that circumstances allowed us to cross paths one last time.
Our oldests sons (Chris and Tim) renewed their friendship when my sone Tim visited Theopolis and Evelyn in July, 2012.
I am so blessed to have known this man of God. I know that Chis, Chad and Chandler will be very attentive to the needs of their mom, Evelyn, because of the example of sacrifice and leadership left by their father. Fathering is what I do best. James Frank Abbott
Adari McGavock
October 30, 2013
Mr. Holeman was such a wonderful example of a Grandfather, Father, and Husband, and such a blessing to so many people, without knowing. He was an Angel here on earth and he will be greatly missed.
I hope my son, Christiaan, learned from his character, his work ethic, his unconditional love, his giving nature, and spirit of volunteerism. He was an amazing man and positively affected the life of everyone he met. This is evident in his wonderful family. He will be truly loved and missed but live in our hearts always. Thank you for always being there for me.
Mary Walker
October 14, 2013
"Mr. Holeman" is what I liked to call him at times since becoming his Admin Assistant in November 2010. What an opportunity to work for such a generous and kind person. He had a great sense of humor with an infectious laugh that could make things seem not so bad when you were feeling low. One of his sayings was “it is all good”. I appreciate him giving me a chance to “stretch my skills” by working for him and take on other opportunities that came my way. I experienced firsthand how he mentored people around him. Always a “teaching moment” until the end! What an inspiration to all who knew him. I met Thé (the nickname he went by) at Trunkline Gas in 1978 and I watched him progress in the Company and was so proud of him. He will be greatly missed for all of his encouraging words as a mentor, friend and boss. He had great integrity which he would tell me to make sure I kept him and his staff "between the ditches". He walked the talked, what a blessing from the Lord.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you Evelyn, Chris, Chad, Chandler and the entire Holeman family as you make your adjustments. He loved you guys so much and always made time for you no matter how busy his schedule. I knew he loved the Lord who gave him the strength to work at having a balanced life.
"Mr. Holeman" the Angels have taken over my role now that you are in the heavenly Father's presence.
Thank you for the experience and I will treasure it for the rest of my life.
Sharon Owens
October 9, 2013
Thank you for sharing Theopolis with us. He will be missed but always remembered .
Shelia Dabney Owie
September 24, 2013
I was saddened to hear the news of Theopolis' passing as he was an inspiration and role model in the early days of my career. May the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give you all strength and peace during this time.
September 23, 2013
Our heartfelt condolence to you and your family, Mrs. Holeman. Theopolis will be sorely missed by everyone whom he has touched and mentored. We are proud to have been a part of his life.
His friends at the American Leadership Forum, Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter (Houston, TX)
Carolyn Oldenburg
September 23, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Holeman when he was with Duke Energy and watching him take a leadership role at the Univ. of Memphis. His passion for young people and his skill as a mentor were inspiring. My most sincere sympathies to his family. Rest in peace, Mr. Holeman. Thank you for all you did!
Shauntey Smith
September 21, 2013
Uncle Mickey, you will be greatly miss and I'm very proud to say that I'm happy to be apart of your legacy. Tell the rest of our love ones that they are greatly missed as well. From your great niece!!!!
Jason Taylor
September 21, 2013
We have temporarily lost a great man and a great friend in Mr. Holeman. He will be deeply missed. May we find comfort in knowing that his time with us spawned beautiful memories and that he now is in a higher and better place.
Cecil, AnnJeannette & ShaVonne Herndon
September 21, 2013
To The Holeman Family:
We enjoyed Theopolis in the First Colony Small Group classes. He always smiled and shared something about the things to come in the future. Reflect on his Love and his Legacy. God will be with you always.
Rohby Word Mitchell
September 21, 2013
We are Blessed to have shared a part of "The's" journey and we share this special time with you Evelyn, keeping you, your sons and your entire family and those who dearly loved "The", lifted in our thoughts and prayers. My heart rejoices that we were able to experience a "gentle giant" who had a faith and purpose-filled life that he unselfishly shared with us and others. Thank-you for allowing us a place in that sacred and private space that you and "The" inhabited over these recent weeks - being with the both of you brought us comfort and peace. I will miss my "warrior" friend, colleague, and leader whose close walk with the Lord was epitomized by his belief that to whom much is given, much is required. We love you and may the Holy Spirit rest, rule and abide with each of you today, henceforth and forever more.
Greg Rizzo
September 20, 2013
Dear Evelyn,
We share in your loss. You and your family have been and continue to be in our prayers. The is well loved and will be missed by many. God Bless.
Sharing in Your Loss,
Greg & Barbara
Burnell C. Williams
September 20, 2013
I enjoyed the time we worked together at Trunkline Gas Co. at the Pollock station some years ago. Theo was always the same no matter where you met him. My God bless the family during their grief.
Debra Thompson
September 20, 2013
I was blessed to have you as a brother. You were mentor and role model for my children, and you were a guiding light for our family . A day will pass without you being missed. We love you big brother.
Teri & Gary Marbach
September 20, 2013
It was with very great sadness we learned the news of Theo's passing. Our entire family offer our love & prayers to you all.
Much love & God bless you all -
The Marbach family
Clifton Wheeler
September 20, 2013
Theo was my neighbor when we move to Houston, my son and his son were the same age. They became fast friends in 1977 and still best of friends. Theo has always been a great family man, Christian and a loyal person. Theo is now in Heaven with no pain. God Bless the Family Will miss you.
Paula Arnold
September 20, 2013
I was so saddened to read of Theo's passing. He was in my ALF class and carried several packs up the mountain including mine. What a sweet wonderful man! I pray that you will feel the peace of our Lord in the days to come.
James Turner
September 20, 2013
I worked with Theopolis for several years in Charlotte while we were both executives at Duke. I learned a lot about servant leadershiip from this good man, and I'm confident he is in Heaven right now, sitting St. Peter down to gently but firmly tell him the things he could do to improve safety up there.
God bless you, The, and may God continue to bless Evelyn and the family.
Jim Turner
Ray & Mary Albrecht
September 19, 2013
It was with great sadness we read of Theopolis passing. He was a joy to work with and a model father. Our condolences to Evelyn and the boys.
September 19, 2013
Evelyn, to you and your entire family please accept our sincere thoughts and prayers. The was a leader and mentor for many at Duke. Angi and Ellison Clinton
William Brogan
September 19, 2013
I worked with Theopolis at PEPL in the mid 1990's. I both learned a great deal from him and also enjoyed working with him. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Jazmyne
September 19, 2013
I will miss you Uncle. Even though we lived states away, I will miss you dearly!
Patty Shannon
September 18, 2013
Evelyn, Chris, Chad, Chandler & the entire Holeman family - You know my heart is with you during this time and in the coming days. It was an honor to be his executive assistant at Duke and get to know all of you. Using Theopolis's language "at the end of the day" he blessed everyone who knew him. Love, Patty
Mark & Sharon Homestead
September 18, 2013
From our family to yours, our most sincere condolences for your loss. May his spirit live on in you all and we hope that his memory will forever bring a smile to your face and warming to your heart. He no doubt is looking down on you all now with the pride that comes with the knowledge of a job well done.
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15015 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478
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