Thomas Ray Holder

Jesus needed a carpenter, so on September 3, 2025, Thomas Ray “Tommy” Holder was called to his Heavenly Home. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents John Ray Holder, Jr. and Helen Glasscock Holder. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teresa White Holder; his daughter, Jennifer Holder Cather; his son, Jonathan Ray Holder (Anna); his beloved grandchildren, Jamerson Reed Cather, Elijah Ray “Eli” Holder and Emilie Grace “Emi” Holder; sisters, Carolyn Holder Thomas (Charles) and Gayle Holder Barnaby all of Lunenburg County. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, a great-great niece, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many friends. Tommy was a lifelong resident of Lunenburg County, where he attended Central High School, built his construction business, and then passed along his craft to his son, Jonathan, while working side by side with him for nearly 30 years.

 In his younger days, he enjoyed fast cars, riding his motorcycle, and spent his summers working with his granddaddy in Tobacco. He was also an avid hunter and gardener. After a successful and fulfilling career as an esteemed building contractor, Tommy retired and moved on to his dream job: professional Papa. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. From teaching them to ride four-wheelers to watching SpongeBob after getting them off the bus, Tommy loved them with all of his heart. 

Later in life, he traveled with his wife and friends to places he never would have gone alone, and could frequently be heard making to-do lists for his loved ones. He worked tirelessly helping his daughter, Jennifer, on her endless house projects, and sharing his love of gardening with his daughter-in-law, Anna. He will always be remembered for a hammer in his hand, nails in his pocket, and being willing to help anyone who needed it. We carry him forward with us. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” 

A celebration of his life will be held at 1091 Lunenburg County Road on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Tommy’s family invites all who knew and loved him to join them as they celebrate him in a manner he would love: outdoors, casually, with plenty of good food and drinks on Holder’s Hill. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Victoria Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, Virginia 23974