Mr. Donnie Lee Holden was called to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 26. Mr. Holden was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Withams to the late Joe Lee and the late Bertie Frances Holden.
He attended public schools in Accomack County. In 1946, he married the love of his life, LaRue T. Watson. This union was blessed with three children, one daughter and two sons.
Although he found early employment at the sawmill, Bird’s Eye, Campbell Soup and in agriculture, his true vocation was as the owner and operator of D.L. Holden Trucking. Through this vocation, he was able to provide for his family and send all of his children to college, inclusive of the grandson whom he raised as his own son. From the fruits of this labor, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren possess a host of professional certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, and have flourished in occupations of their own such as executive leadership of universities and corporations, physical therapy, federal government employment, primary care, auto mechanics, human resources, social service, computer science, and even those who have followed in his footsteps as truck drivers. Mr. Holden was a devoted father who loved and was very proud of his family. Upon retirement, he enjoyed gardening and providing a voracity of fruits and vegetables for his family and friends. He was an avid connoisseur of Pepsi Cola, loved to share his philosophies on life, and enjoyed performing mechanical work in his free time.
At an early age, Mr. Holden joined Mount Zion Church, in Withams, where he became a loyal and faithful member. He loved his church and truly enjoyed ushering and singing with the male chorus.
He leaves to cherish his fond memories his loving wife of 72 years, LaRue T. Holden; his daughter, Joan (Ronald) Forsythe; his son Ronnie (Brenda) Holden; his daughter-in-law, Marva Justine Holden; and the grandson to whom he was a father, Tony M. Holden. His presence will also be missed by his nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one aunt-in-law, Althea Fletcher; one sister-in-law, Carolyn F. Holden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Mr. Holden was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Houston L. Holden and Carroll Lee Holden; his sister, Alberta M. Holden-Wise; his son, Terry “Larry” Frederick Holden; and granddaughter, Stacey Milbourne–Taylor.
Services were held Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Mount Zion Independent Methodist Church. Arrangements were made by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
