Herbert ""Pappy"" Holder was called home by Our Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 29, 2015.
Herbert married, Marguerite, the love of his life, on September 20, 1948 in Hattiesburg, MS. Together, they spent their sixty-seven years of marriage raising seven children at their home in Gulfport, MS.
Mr. Holder was born, raised, and attended school in McLaurin, MS. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He was a supervisor for South Central Bell and retired after thirty-two years. He was a life member of the AT&T Pioneers, and during his service in this organization, he volunteered his time to clean and repair talking book machines and cassette players for the blind.
Herbert was part of ""The Greatest Generation"" as he served in the United States Army during World War II. He was proud to share stories about his experiences on D Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a charter member of the National World War II Museum, and was recently honored to visit Washington, D.C. as a participant of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight.
Herbert recognized the needs of others, and he was always there to lend a helping hand. He built the altar and pulpit at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lizana, and he helped clothe and feed the less fortunate through his work with Operation Manna. Herbert served his community while he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was recognized by Habitat for Humanity for his contributions following Hurricane Katrina.
Herbert's life centered around faith, family, and friends. He served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Ann's Catholic Church, and made numerous contributions to St. James Church and School. He loved hosting family gatherings, cooking for a crowd, and spending precious time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and he could fix or repair just about anything.
Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite, his father, Ruben Holder, his mother, Maude Holder, his brother, Chester Holder, and his sisters, Emma Aplin and Margaret Essary. He is survived by his children, Shirlene (Jim) Ussery, Diane (Mike) Mays, Carolyn (Bob) Jones, Marcia (Frank) Marengo, Herbert (Sindy) Holder, Stephen (Diana) Holder, and Jennifer (Steve) Broadus; his grandchildren, Robert (Tyler) Weir, Molly Weir, Kim (Andy) Hurt; Jay (Stacie) Ussery, Paul (Maribeth) Snow, Michelle (Greg) Ortego, Shelley Brewer, Patrick (Nancy) Sutherlin, Frank (Jessica) Marengo, Michael (Katherine) Marengo, Christopher (Cherie) Marengo, Jordan (Bo) Bell, Jonathan Holder, Justin Holder, Joey (Fernanda) Holder, Auburn (Patrick) Guild, Stephen Broadus, Hope Broadus, Aaron Broadus, and Anna Broadus twenty-five great grandchildren, one sister, Elsie Chandler, and one sister-in-law, Ruth Holder.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery. The family prefers that donations be made to St. James Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund. (c/o St. James Catholic School, 603 West Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507)
Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, served the family.
For more information, please call (228) 539-9800.
Visitation
DEC 3. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM St. James Catholic Church 366 Cowan Road Gulfport, MS, US, 39507
Service
DEC 3. 11:00 AM St. James Catholic Church 366 Cowan Road Gulfport, MS, US, 39507
Interment
Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Carl Leggett Road Gulfport, MS,