George Lewis Holland

George Lewis Holland was born October 15, 1938 in Alma, Arkansas, the son of Raymond and Robbie Lee Holland. After graduating from High School, George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving for nine years in both the Montana Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reservein Missouri achieving the rank of Airman 1st Class. George is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Bonnie (Fleener) Holland of the home; his children, Cathy Holland of Bellingham, Washington, Bill (Jennifer) Holland of Caddo Mills, Texas, Steve (VickyPrusinski) Elliott of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kait Elliott of Nashville, Tennessee; sister Ellen (David) Emerson of Kansas City, Missouri; 5 grandchildren, and a whole host of wonderful relatives and friends including his first wife, Helen Caraveo. After years of weekend drives with kids, dog, tools and materials packed into the back of George’sDodge pickup truck, the family moved to Lake in 1980. There,George used his mechanical knowledge and “Mr. Fix-it” skills to become a master boat mechanic, working at several lake area marinas with a tool chestthat would make even Tim “the Toolman” Taylor jealous! When he wasn’t working on boats, he spent countless hours in a boat, cruising the lake with his favorite 8 track tapes blaring, pulling kids, grandkids, family, and friends behind his beloved “Bonnie Jane”, a 19’ runabout. The reason behind some of the plumpest squirrels (and dogs) around, George was always willing tofeed the wildlife, help out a friend and taught his children to do the same. There was no such thing as “quick chat” if George was involved and the conversation usually included memorable words and catch phrases like “Dag gummit!” and “knot head”. While vegetables and fish were not his favorite foods, milk chocolate, jelly beans, and a WELL-done steak were. This fiercely independent man taught us the value of hard work and the importance of friends. Most importantly, he showed us how to love. And while we celebrate a life well lived, there is no doubt he will most definitely be missed, for crying out loud! Memorial donations may be made to Dogwood Animal Hospital and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.