Raymond H. Holman

June 12, 1935-Jan. 1, 2025

Posted

Raymond Holman, 89, of Sparta, passed away Jan. 1, 2025.    Raymond was born June 12, 1935, in the Lost Creek community of White County, to Walter and Bessie Holman.

He was a member of West Sparta church of Christ.

The joys of his life were grown, built, and tended to on his farm in Bon Air. Together with his wife, Sue, plentiful gardens were raised alongside kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Over the course of a lifetime, he transformed a small farmhouse into a family home and working cattle farm. He outworked us all, even through his 89th birthday, and could stand, hands folded behind his back and know how best to mend or maintain just about anything. He loved a good country meal served at home and was happy to peel potatoes on “KP duty." He had the cleanest fence rows, was the highest drafted cornhole and horseshoe partner, and could make any little one laugh with his story telling, squirrel talk, and popeye muscle trick. He loved his wife and loved being at home on his farm.

Our lives were enriched by learning from his quiet contentment, simple nature, practical values, strong will, and silly spirit. We loved him more than a mouse loved cheese, and he loved us more than a rabbit loved clover.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Chester, Stanford, Clifford, Herman, Leon, Buford, and Walter B. (Junior), and his sisters, Estelene Cashdollar, Pauline Bennett, Dorothy McCall, Beulah Howell, and Thelma Jean Clark.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Holman; children, Pam Hess and husband Steve, Beverly Justice and husband Charlie, Jim Holman; grandchildren, Stephanie (Flatt) Smith and husband Jason, Jennifer Scott and husband Barry, Ashley Martin and husband Daniel, Allison Null and husband Holden; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Alex, Laurel, Banks; sisters, Josephine Howard, Ernestine Holman; and numerous dearly held extended family and family friends.

In honor of Raymond's wishes, a private graveside service for family and friends was held at the Raymond Holman Family Cemetery, on his farm, on Jan. 4, 2025, with full military honors by the Veterans' Honor Guard. Derrick Coble officiated.

Holden Null, Daniel Martin, Jason Smith, Matt Holman, Brant Holman, and Gene Parton served as pallbearers.

Memorial donations may be made to Happy Haven Children’s Home, 2311 Wakefield Drive, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501; happyhaven.org.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.