Johnny Holder

Johnny D. Holder

November 29, 1936 – January 3, 2025

Johnny Dwayne Holder, 88, went to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Known as the "Best Pawpaw," Johnny's life was a testament to love, hard work, and the joy of family.

Born in Smithfield, Texas, to James Albert Holder and Betty Ethel Holder, Johnny grew up with a love for the outdoors and a heart full of kindness. He proudly served in the National Guard for eight years before marrying the love of his life, Peggy Joyce Holder, in 1959. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, celebrating 62 years of marriage before Peggy's passing.

Johnny retired from Lockheed Martin in 1997 after 31 years of dedicated service. During his career, he had the incredible opportunity to travel the world, visiting remarkable places such as Paris, Istanbul, and Ireland. These experiences enriched his life and gave him cherished memories to share with his family and friends.

Johnny found his greatest happiness in the great outdoors, spending his days hunting, fishing, and tinkering with his countless treasures on his property. His world brightened whenever his great-granddaughter, Mabel Jo, walked into the room, always greeting her with his signature, "There's my girl."

Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Joyce Holder, and his parents. As he crossed those golden gates into heaven, we can only imagine Grandma saying with a smile, "Johnnnnyyyyyy, what took you so long?"

Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his remarkable life are his sons, James Holder of Bridgeport, and Rodney Holder and wife Rhonda of Azle, Texas. His grandchildren, Jonathan Holder of Bridgeport, and MaryBeth Milici and husband Taylor of Bridgeport, will forever treasure his legacy. Most importantly, his pride and joy, great-granddaughter Mabel Jo Milici, carries forward the light he brought into their lives.

Johnny also leaves behind friends who became family: Connie and Danny Randolph of Runaway Bay, whose unwavering support enriched his life, and Linda Morrow, a true treasure to the Holder family. Linda, with her kind and selfless spirit, joined the family through a caregiving agency over two years ago and became so much more than a caregiver. Her dedication, compassion, and love ensured Johnny was cared for in every possible way, going above and beyond in her role.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on January 18th at 2:00 p.m. at the Holder residence. Honoring Johnny's memory and his wishes, the gathering will not be a formal affair but a heartfelt cookout filled with games, laughter, and reconnections, just as he would have wanted. It will be a time to remember the amazing man Johnny Holder was and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

Johnny's 88 years were filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love him.

George Jones said it best: "Who's gonna fill their shoes?"

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com