John Larry Holland

The sun rose on John Larry Holland on April 10, 1938, in Abilene, Texas. The sun set on John’s life on May 7, 2026, at his home in Heartland, surrounded by his family. He received his reward as a Christian after 88 years of life.

John’s parents were Jot and Jesse Gore, and John spent most of his childhood in Brownwood, Texas.

John was a graduate of Brownwood High School in the class of 1956. He graduated a year before his fellow classmate, Barbara McMillian. They married on May 27, 1957, the day before Barbara’s high school graduation.

John had already begun serving in the U.S. Navy in California before their marriage. They got married while he was on leave. John served active duty and reserves until 1963. He served during the Taiwan Strait Crisis on the Destroyer USS Cowell.

To their union was born Cheryl, Lori, Carrie, and Larry.

John worked all his life as an electrician, a trade which he gained while in the Navy. He was a proud 60-year member of the IBEW Local 20, and most of his work career was with the City of Dallas.

John served as a mentor and coach to many young men for approximately 10 years through the Black Mustang youth soccer team and the Black Falcon peewee football team in Mesquite, Texas.

John was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Barbara. They would have been married 69 years this month. Barbara died in 2020.

John is survived by his children: Cheryl (Glenn) Newberry of Tolar, Lori Butler of Heartland, Carrie Holland of Heartland, and Larry (April) Holland of Whitney. He was Papaw to six grandchildren: Heather (Danny) Conley, Sarah Maison, Jeremy (Gabrielle) Newberry, Kirsten Moore, Lacey (Colton) Clay, and Kaylea Holland. He was also Papaw to four great-grandchildren: Jaxson Boisjolie, Grace Boisjolie, Brooklynn Maison, and Adalyn Vaught. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Foster’s Home for Children, P.O. Box 978, Stephenville, TX 76401.