Dickie Holland

Roy Richard “Dickie” Holland joined his Lord and Savior on April 18, 2024. A true Texas Original with a huge heart and personality to match, he leaves behind a legacy of love and acts of kindness.

Dickie was born on March 1, 1948 in McKinney, Texas, the city he called home for most of his life. At an early age, Dickie suffered the loss of his mother, whom he deeply loved. Soon after, he was blessed to embark on a lifelong journey of love and companionship that started in the 8th grade when he began “going steady” with Barbara Presnell (Holland), and that continued unbroken and true throughout their 57 years of marriage.

While at McKinney High School, Dickie ran track and was a standout football player who led the team in scoring as he proudly donned jersey #24 for the McKinney Lions before graduating in 1966.

His love of sports never waned as it took different shape throughout the years. As a young father, he enjoyed coaching boys’ soccer and baseball. Throughout the decades, he attended high school games on Friday nights, and sometimes played softball, golfed, or jogged. In his later years, he enjoyed watching sports from the sidelines in his recliner.

From his school years through his work years as a Heavy Equipment Operator at TU Electric and then at Oncor, Dickie made enduring friendships and was well respected, deeply admired, and greatly loved.

Friendly and forthright, quick to smile and open a door for a stranger, give words of advice, or offer a helping hand to anyone in need, Dickie exemplified what it meant to be a Texan. A man of integrity with an independent spirit, he always strived to do what was right and did it his own way… with bootstrapping resilience and an unassuming know-how.

His unparalleled devotion to family, near and far, most clearly defined Dickie as extraordinary. A loving husband, father, and “pop,” his capacity for giving and putting the needs of others before his own was a testament to the depth of his love and the strength of his character.

Dickie embraced a lifelong spiritual journey of faith, devotion, and worship. He was a devout member of the Baptist community and served as a choir singer, Sunday School Teacher, and Deacon. He also became a Mason, and through his service, grew in compassion and in spirit.

Dickie was preceded in death by his father, Roy Oscar Holland; mother, Roberta Fleming Holland; and his sister, Melba Lambeth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and his children: Richie Holland and wife, Sonia Holland; Jeremy Holland and wife, Meredith Holland; and Holly Holland Arello; grandchildren: Alex Holland and fiancé, Travis Thompson; Madison Holland; Sydney Singley and husband, Matt Singley; Cameron Arello; and Jillian Arello and great-grandchildren: James Coy Jr.; Lucas Lucia; Wyatt Thompson; and Emerson Jo Singley. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Melody Eldridge and husband David, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Powerpoint Ministries with Jack Graham:

https://secure.jackgraham.org/jackgraham/donation-page

and

Turning Point Ministries with David Jeremiah:

https://www.davidjeremiah.org/donate/pure-gift

Psalm 116:15 -  "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."