Wayne Lee Holland of Newalla, OK went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 1, 2023. He was born in Oklahoma City to Harold and Jean Holland on January 9, 1948. The first of four children, Wayne was a born leader and entrepreneur who started his first paper route on his Cushman scooter at the age of 14 in Del City, OK. At the age of 16, he became the boss and manager of all the paper carriers. He is a proud graduate of Del City High School, class of 1965. By 1967, he owned and operated the gas station on the corner of Reno and Sunnylane. Wayne served his country during the Vietnam War, 1969-70 as a staff sergeant in the United States Army. He was active service in “A” Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Infantry. For his service, Wayne was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal V Device, Combat Infantryman Badge Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and The Bronze Star Medal.
After his military service he graduated from Central State University in Edmond, OK on May 15, 1974. He went back to his businessman roots, alongside his brother Roy, he helped carry on his father’s business, A and H Auto Air Conditioning, and in 1981 expanded the company into a second location, Auto Air of Oklahoma. He finally retired in December of 2008. This was a family business in every aspect, with every family member working in some capacity at one or both locations. A and H is still owned and operated by a Holland.
After his retirement, Wayne and Connie began their travels. From trikes, planes, trains, boats and RV’s, they traveled the world together with the ones they loved. Wayne had his private pilot’s license and spent most of his adult life in the air. He was at peace in the clouds. His skills could have led him to a career in flight, but his passion kept it his greatest hobby. The pride of Wayne’s life was his family. His greatest wish was achieved when Wayne was fortunate enough to travel to Aruba in 2021 with all 24 of his immediate family. The two weeks spent together was the quality time he cherished the most. Wayne and Connie enjoyed watching their kids and grandkids do the things they loved. Wayne loved to help and serve others and passed his knowledge in business to anyone that would ask. He valued his relationships and the number of people he considered to be his family is immeasurable.
Wayne considered himself to be a fighter, his biggest battle came in December 2017 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In 2022, he was re-diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease with Parkinsonism. He faced the fight head on but ultimately his body had no more to give.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jean Holland and brother, Roy Holland. He is survived by his wife, Connie of their home; son, Brian Holland and wife Jen; son, Darren Holland and wife Melissa; son, James Gayler and wife Christina; daughter, Nikki Gayler; daughter, Carrie Holland; and granddaughters, Lucy, Emilee, Cassidy and Rose, and grandsons, Alec, Joel, Reed, Toby, Evan, JC, West, Hayden, Cade and Nash. Wayne is also survived by his siblings, Mary Punneo and husband Larry and Ken Holland and wife Dickie. He leaves behind many special nephews and nieces, family, and friends.
There will be a reception immediately after the burial in the Sunny Lane Reception Center
