Donald Ray Holland was born on October 20,1935 in Honey Grove, TX to Mark and Lois Holland. Don, known affectionately as "Grandad," passed away on October 6, 2025, after living an abundant and full life for 89 years - two weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

Don was predeceased by his parents, one sister, and his wife, Anita Holland, whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his youngest sister, Beverly Holland Nix of Denison, TX, his daughter, Christy Holland Traylor and son-in-law, Troy Key, of Dallas, and three grandchildren, Madelynn, Jackson, Claire, and two step-grandchildren, Tyler, and Megan, whom he adored.

Don graduated from Denison High School in 1954 and entered the Air Force where he served during the Korean War.

After finishing his military service in the reserves, he moved back to Denison, TX, where he worked for Lattimore Construction and the MKT (KATY) Railroad. He also helped design and build the Texoma Racquet Club. During this time, he went back to school and received a bachelor's degree in business from Texas A&M Commerce.

In 1990, he retired from the Union Pacific Railroad and began focusing on his two passions: playing tennis and fishing. His love for tennis led him back to school to obtain his USTA (United States Tennis Association) teaching certification which he used to teach tennis well into his 70's. He was also an avid fisherman and an active member in the Texoma Bass Club.

His greatest joy was his three grandchildren. He moved to Tyler, TX to be close to them and spent many hours attending their events, teaching them how to fish and making them laugh with his extravagant stories.

A visitation and service will be held on Friday, October 10th at Waldo Funeral home in Sherman, TX. Visitation will be from 10-11am and the service will start at 11am. A graveside memorial will follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.

Though he is no longer with us in person, we will be forever grateful for his unconditional love, wisdom, and humor. His sound lessons and entertaining stories will live on in all who knew him.

Rest in peace.