William Wesley "Bill" Holder

William Wesley Holder (""Bill""), age 72, of Ocean Springs, MS., went home to be with the Lord on October 17th, 2010 in Ocean Springs, MS after a 13 year battle with cancer. He died in his home with his loved ones nearby.
Bill was born on September 18, 1938 in Lexington, MS. In high school in Lexington, MS, Bill was a star athlete, student council president, and a great student and friend. He was a 1957 graduate of Lexington High. He received a football scholarship to Holmes County Junior College and graduated in 1959. He went on to Mississippi State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1962. Upon graduating, he entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served our country with honor for 20 years.
At age 27, while stationed at Vandenburg AFB in California, Bill met his future wife, Mary Ann Hine from Hamburg, NY. She was also stationed at Vandenburg and working as an Air Force nurse. They were married in August of 1966.
During his Air Force career, Bill and his family lived in Colorado, Germany, Missouri, Illinois, and Mississippi. His work in the Air Force included Missile Guidance Control Officer, Inspector General's Team, and Communications and Electronics Officer. He retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1982.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bill went to work at Ingalls (now Northrop Grumman) Shipyard in Pascagoula. There he worked as a Design Engineer. He had a mathematical mind and was an asset to the workforce.
Bill was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs, MS where he served as an Elder for many years and a Sunday school teacher. He had known the Lord since age 14 when he accepted Christ at First Baptist Church in Lexington, MS.
Bill loved to travel, and he and his family spent many hours on the road. After his children were grown and married, Bill and Mary Ann traveled frequently to see the kids, nine grandkids, and other relatives around country. Bill's dream was to travel to Alaska, which he was able to do with his wife in 2001. Bill was also a ""jack of all trades""; his skills and expertise were varied. He loved photography, and enjoyed working on cars and wood working.
In 1997, Bill was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He and Mary Ann learned everything they could about the disease and together fought it. Because of their efforts and the help of some wonderful doctors and many prayers, Bill was able to live for 13 years despite his cancer. His life was full for much of this time. Many considered him a ""walking miracle.""
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Winford and Ellen Mullins Holder of Lexington, MS.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, son Bill and his wife, Joy McAfee Holder, of Warsaw IN, daughter Beth Duncan and her husband, Brent, of Birmingham, AL, son Brendan and his wife, Jennifer Brazil Holder, of Houston, TX. Bill had nine grandchildren, Emily Duncan, Camille Holder, Kate Duncan, Elijah Holder, James Duncan, Augustin Holder, Talia Holder, Lauren Duncan, and Sienna Holder. He is also survived by two brothers, Donald Holder of Baton Rouge, LA and Thomas Holder and wife Susan of West Point, MS. He also leaves to mourn many other relatives and very dear friends.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Arnold Smith of Greenwood, MS and also to Saad Healthcare for the comfort and care provided.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs or to Gideons International.
Bill frequently made it known that it was of utmost importance to him that his children and grandchildren accept Jesus as their Savior so that ""we will all be together in Heaven."" Godspeed warrior for Christ; we will meet again. Isaiah 40:31.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at Noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs with visitation for family and friends from 10:30 AM until service time. Burial with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd., Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.