Ricky Holden

1952 - 2025

Ricky Ray Holden, 73, a lifelong resident of Englewood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Ricky was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (Pap), and friend whose kind heart and unwavering spirit touched those he met.

Ricky grew up and lived his entire life in the close-knit community of Englewood, where he developed a deep appreciation for his faith, family, hard work, and the simple joys of life. He was a 1970 graduate of McMinn Central High School, attended Cleveland State, Chattanooga State and Carson Newman College. He Owned and Operated Bain & Holden Tire Company for over 40 years until his retirement.

Ricky was a strong family man who was married to Sheila Ann Martin Holden, for over 50 years. Ricky was an active member of Englewood First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Choir member, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, jail ministry, coaching youth sports, van driver and Youth Sponsor. He loved the outdoors, driving through the mountains, camping, tending to his garden, weed eating, chopping wood and spending time with his children and grandchildren and watching them play sports, teaching them the values of Jesus Christ that he held so dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bobbie Jean Cochran Holden; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sarah Joyce "Tinker" Casteel Martin and Carl Wayne Martin; brother-in-law, Dr. David Duncan and brother-in-law Marlon Keith Martin. Special Church friend Doyle (Poppy) Barnett.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Sheila Ann Martin Holden of Englewood; his children, Clint Holden (Michelle) and children Carter and Reid Holden of Englewood, Meridith Hammond (Kevin) and children Bryce and Caroline Hammond of Englewood and Macey Garkovich (Erik) and child Penelope Garkovich of Athens, Nephew/Chosen Son Army SSGT (Retired) Caleb Martin (Lacey) and children Easton and Luke Martin. Siblings Loyce (Dr. Dale) Elmore, Joyce (Frank) Snyder and Cleve (Amy) Holden, Sisters-in-law and Spouse Karla Masengil, Ginger Martin and Allyson (Jim) Kirkland. several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; Church family, Good O' Boys of Englewood, hunting buddies and many life long friends.

Special chosen family Annette Rountree, Beverly Long (Rob) and Shannon Self (David).

Funeral services will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Englewood with Pastor Russ Maples, Cousin Rev. Richard Holden, Mike Cochran and Mark Cochran officiating. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2025 at Cochran Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Clint Holden, Kevin Hammond, Erik Garkovich, Caleb Martin, Bryce Hammond, Carter Holden, Reid Holden and Easton Martin. Honorary Pallbearer Luke Martin. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. prior to the service at the Church. Memorial Contributions may be made in Ricky's memory to The First Baptist Church of Englewood Youth. Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/Ricky-Holden. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.