Roy Holland

Roy W. Holland, 87, passed away August 7, 2023, at home in Fort Smith, Arkansas, peacefully and surrounded by his family. Roy was born September 17, 1935, in Hall County, Georgia to the late Robert Lee “Jack” and Ella Whitmire Holland.

He attended school in Clermont and at a young age, worked for the family business, Holland Produce. In ninth grade, he transferred schools and met Kloma Barbara Barnes. The two were high school sweethearts and during their senior year voted “Most Likely to Live on a Hill.” Roy and Kloma were united in marriage November 6, 1954.

Roy worked his way through business college in Atlanta then began a career in the poultry business in Gainesville. Early in his career, at the age of 23, he became plant manager. After accepting a position with a national food corporation, he transferred to Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1970. Roy continued his career in the food manufacturing industry, working as General Manager and then Vice President.

In 1976, Roy and his business partner, Tom Nowotny acquired local businesses Sportsman’s Ice and Van Buren Ice and Cold Storage. In August of 1978, they co-founded H & N Foods located in Van Buren. Roy sold products to top national food distributors and chain restaurants. Eventually, they sold the business to their largest customer in 1986 and Roy remained president for 4 years prior to retiring.

Roy was a leader and icon in the poultry industry, respected and highly regarded by customers, employees, colleagues, and industry partners.

As an avid golfer he played in many local charity events with professional golfers. He and Kloma enjoyed traveling the country to play on several famous golf courses. Roy traveled to Scotland with his Bonita Springs, Florida golf buddies to play the Old Course at St. Andrews. He also had the privilege of playing Augusta National. He was a Fianna Hills Club Champion several times.

Most of all, Roy was a family man deeply devoted in his faith. He was a long-time member of Eastside Baptist Church.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years, Kloma Barbara Barnes Holland, brothers Ernest Holland (Oma), Cecil Holland (Katherine) and Clifford Holland, his sisters, Ruby Smith (Chester), Myrtice Foster (Duwayne), Eula Savage (John) and twin brother, Ray Holland (Clezell). Roy was also preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan Moore, and his great-grandson, Bryce Nicholas Moore.

Roy is survived by his daughters, Susan Bell (David) of San Antonio, Texas, and Sherri Fry (Brad) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and his son, Greg Holland of Fort Smith. He is also survived by grandchildren Rachel Moore, Megan Dizicheh (Zach), Blake McDonald (Julie), Nick Fry (Chase), Calli Keyton (Skip), Claire Holland (Stephen), and great-grandchildren Peyton Holland Schratz, Hadleigh Belle Dizicheh, and Milleigh Kloma Dizicheh. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Joe Little and Jose Torres. Additionally, Roy is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as friends all over the country.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 12, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home.

Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dewberry Baptist Church No 1. 5807 Henson Road, Gainesville, GA 30506.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.