Mr. Josiah Henderson Holland Jr

Josiah Henderson Holland, Jr., of Clover Bend, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on June 11, 1942, in Newport, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Josiah Henderson, Sr. and Ozella Pearle Ratliff Holland. Raised by his beloved Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff on the banks of Portia Bay, Joe developed a lifelong love for the river and the outdoors. He was a true river rat at heart and never cared much for city life. He found joy on the water. In recent years, he and his beloved wife lived in a beautiful home on the black river in Clover Bend. Friends and family described Joe as a true live wire. He was fiery, passionate, and never afraid to stand firm for what he believed in, even when it was not the popular opinion. He was outspoken, intelligent, and deeply astute, always reading and learning. An avid reader with a sharp mind, he could carry on a conversation (that might last for hours at a time) about nearly anything and loved sharing his knowledge with others. He enjoyed traveling. He took several family vacations out west which were the places he read about in his Louis L’amour western books. He was always just excited to be back heading home. Joe worked for more than 30 years as a welder for Burlington Northern Railroad. He made many lifelong friends during his railroad career. A devoted Arkansas Razorbacks fan, Joe never missed a game. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or anything Razorback-related, he was watching and cheering them on faithfully. More than anything, Joe loved his family. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and kept them all on their toes. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, storytelling, and spirited conversations, often bringing together nearly 80 friends and family members at a time. He was the kind of man who made an impression everywhere he went. His greatest love was his wife of 53 years, Lela Gail Holland, who was truly his best friend. Their love and devotion to one another were evident to everyone who knew them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josiah Henderson Holland, Sr. and Ozella Pearle Ratliff Holland; one sister, Rebecca Woods; and one daughter, Vicka Holland Park. Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Lela Gail Holland of Clover Bend, AR; daughter, Stephanie Hurst of Clover Bend, AR; son, Josiah Adam Holland and wife Jody of Jonesboro, AR; Grandchildren; Tucker Hurst and Jodie of Jonesboro, AR, Zachary Hurst of Walnut Ridge, AR, Kathryn, Kayla, and Lucas Holland of Jonesboro, AR, Scott Whitlow and wife Dena of Pocahontas, AR, and Aaron Whitlow and wife Melinda of Portia, AR; and great-grandchildren, AJ Whitlow, Zoey Whitlow, Will Whitlow, Emmalee Whitlow, Kate Whitlow, and McKenna Hurst. He also leaves behind countless friends, extended family members, and loved ones whose lives were forever impacted by his wisdom, humor, strength, and unwavering love. A private family service will be held at a later date so expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to the family. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the Holland family. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.tri-cityllc.com

Mr. Josiah Henderson Holland Jr

June 11, 1942 - May 19, 2026