Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Crestwood cemetery for Mr. Rodger Gene Holland, age 62, of Steele Alabama, who died Sunday, September 21, 2014. Chaplain Richard Bradford will officiate.
Rodger's early years were happy and carefree. Growing up on a farm, with a school teacher dad and a bank teller mother, he was living "The American Dream." Rodger and Melinda met in 1969 at an Ashville High School football game. It was love at first sight for both of them, and they were married the next July. They both graduated from Gadsden State Junior College in 1972. Melinda entered the workforce, while Rodger earned bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Alabama. He went on to attain his Ph.D. at Ohio State University on September 1, 1981, the day before they were blessed with a beautiful son, Jonathan. On June 15, 1984, a lovely little sister, Kara, came along. Throughout the years the family moved several times, visited many interesting places, enjoyed life, and made many lasting memories along the way.
Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Edgar Holland, Jr., and Wilma Imogene Holland.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Melinda Holland; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Taylor Holland; and daughter and son-in-law, Kara and Bryan Kirby.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General Scholarship Fund of Gadsden State Community College.
Pallbearers will be David Countryman, Scott Countryman, Danny Whitt, Ronnie Watts, Richard Smith, Christopher Steele, and Brett Smith.
Honorary pallbearers are Burlon D. Watts, David Carnes, and Howard Rose.
Special thanks for the professional and personal care given to Mr. Holland by the staff of Gentiva Hospice.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, from 1:30 until the hour of service.