Ruth Gail Holman

Ruth Gail McClanahan Holman, age 88, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Arbors of Springfield. Graveside services will be conducted at 2pm Saturday, September 13th at Springfield Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jason Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 4-8pm Friday, and again from 12-1:30pm Saturday at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield. Born on November 11, 1936, in Robertson County, Gail was the beloved daughter of the late Joe Harvey McClanahan and Ruth Susan Glover McClanahan. She graduated from Springfield High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mississippi in 1959, where she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Gail began her career as an educator at Coopertown Elementary School, where she inspired generations of young students with her love of learning. In 1961, she married Robert "Buddy" D. Holman, Sr. Together, they owned and operated the Branding Iron Dairy Freeze Drive-In, a cherished local establishment, until its closing in 1977. A devoted historian and genealogist, Gail committed herself to preserving and celebrating her own family's heritage as well as that of many others. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Charlotte Reeves Robertson County Chapter) and also served with the Colonial Dames of America and a 50-year member of the Clay Lick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists. She was an active member of the Glenn Memorial Women's Club and the Springfield Federation of Women's Clubs. A lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, Gail was deeply devoted to her faith. She is survived by her sons, Robert D. Holman Jr. (Debra) of Murfreesboro and Harvey Holman Sr.; and by her grandchildren, Matthew David Holman (son of Robert and Debra), Harvey F. Holman Jr., and Jacob Holman (sons of Harvey). She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Buddy" D. Holman Sr.; her son, David William Holman; her grandson, Robert "Rob" D. Holman III; her parents, Joe Harvey and Ruth Susan Glover McClanahan; her brother, Joe Harvey McClanahan Jr.; and her sister, Ella White McClanahan Bellflower. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Coach Boyce Smith Scholarship Fund, The First United Methodist Church Building Fund or to The American Cancer Society. Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000