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W. David Holder Obituary
David grew up in Moorhead, Mississippi, and graduated from Delta State University in 1964. He married his childhood sweetheart, Jan Cartwright the same year. He served his country in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Army's 173rd Petroleum Company in Phu Bai from 1968 to 1969. After his military service, David moved to Southern California where he lived for five decades before relocating to Texas in 2022 after Jan passed away in August of that year.
A visionary entrepreneur, he founded and supported numerous healthcare companies throughout his career and was committed to being an active participant in their growth and success. He was also deeply focussed on mentoring others and led the CEO John Study and Men in Transition Network for over 30 years. His dedication to fostering leadership and personal growth left a lasting impact on countless individuals.
David was a man of faith and an active member of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. His salvation occurred in his teens at Moorhead Baptist Church and his spiritual devotion guided his life and inspired those around him. His family takes comfort in the knowledge that many people will be in Heaven because of his steadfast and stubborn persistence in sharing his faith and guiding others to salvation.
David is survived by his loving family: his sisters Sandra McClure of Buffalo Gap, Texas, and Lawanna Ermel of Houston, Texas; his brother Samuel Glenn Collier; his son Jon David Holder and wife Dana along with their children Hannah (married to Aaron), Declan (married to Maggie), Grace, and Kellia; and his son Zachary Cartwright Holder and wife Euna along with their daughters Lucia, Monica, Emma and Ava and granddaughter Gianna. He was preceded in death by his parents Nettie Orene Russell (1987) and Willie June Holder (1969), as well as his brother Larry Wayne Holder (2008).
Services will be held on February 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and on March 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Moorhead Baptist Church in Moorhead, Mississippi. All who knew him are invited to celebrate with the family.
David's legacy of faith, service, and leadership will continue to inspire all he encountered.
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Faye and Bobby Gibney
March 20, 2025
In August 1960, I first arrived in Moorhead, Mississippi at the invitation of Coach Jimmy to come play basketball for Mississippi Delta Junior college. From this limited beginning, a great adventure began, including my marriage to Faye Carr of Itta Bena, Mississippi, three resulting healthy children and my law school education at Tulane University. The main advantage to my arrival at Mississippi Delta is the formation of my many lifelong friendships, all accompanied by love and loyalty including Willie David and Jan who I have referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead, Mississippi. Their positive impact upon me and my extended family is immeasurable and I declare that their friendship and memories will never be forgotten.
Faye and Bobby Gibney
David M. Clark
January 8, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. David has been a beloved Christian brother and professional mentor for me these past 25 years. It began when he had the faith and wherewithall to support our little company of Pyxis. His spiritual guidance and life focused on the love of Jesus are priceless. I can see him now in my mind's eye dancing and worshipping in the presence and glory of our Lord Jesus. I look forward to the day when we will all be with David in that forever celebration before our King.
David M. Clark
January 8, 2025
Joe Wilkins
January 4, 2025
I was delighted to first meet the honorable Mr. David Holder through John Barnard, CEO of Medassest well over 20 years ago. I truly enjoyed our routine of wonderful business and spiritual breakfast discussions at ZOV´s. My time with both David and Jon often went quickly and into overtime, with us trying to make the world a better place. We truly need more of David in this world today. David´s wisdom, intellect, love and compassion stands deeply within my values to this very day. Thank You David, my Dear Friend. I miss you.
Joe Wilkins
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Jim "Jaime" Edwards
December 29, 2024
Jim "Jaime" Edwards. It was my great honor and enjoyment to know David through Saddleback Church, John Study and MIT. He was an exceptionally high energy, charming person, using that energy to encourage and otherwise invest in others, for their salvation and for their role as Godly men - providers. He experienced and knew a great deal about the world, culture - society. He demonstrated superior understanding and success in the world of health and business, while choosing to put God first and to encourage others to do so as well.
Steve Blanc
December 29, 2024
Early in my transition 12 years ago I met David through MIT and have carried his impressions on me ever since. Kind, frank, respectful, giving helpful and wise were just a few. He made the world a better place and I was privileged to know him.
Steve Roush
December 18, 2024
You could write pages about David but I would best describe him as a once in lifetime individual you would meet...kind, compassionate and truly cared about everyone he met. God speed your journey and we will meet again
Steve Roush
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