Honorable Judge Jack Humphrey Holland, son of the late Richard Frazer Holland and Rena Trueheart Lewis Holland was born June 8, 1930, in Athens, Texas. He grew up and attended school in Athens, Texas. He attended the University of North Texas, Harvard University, and the University of Texas School of Law where he graduated in 1955 with a law degree. In 1969, he was appointed by Governor Preston Smith as the district judge of the 173rd court where he served for more than 35 years becoming the longest sitting judge in Henderson County and the second longest sitting judge in the state of Texas. After retiring in 2005, he remained an active part of the community as a city attorney for the City of Athens, the City Municipal Judge of Gun Barrel City and a private lawyer.
Judge Holland was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Athens, Henderson County Bar Association, United Methodist Men Group, Athens Masonic Lodge #165, Rotary Club of Athens, and the Texas Society of Sons of American Revolution, Athens Chapter #54, which he was a Founding Member. He also served in the United States Air Force.
Judge Holland had a special love for dancing and the song Faded Love by Bob Wills will always hold a special place in the hearts of those that shared the same love of dancing with him. He enjoyed reading, playing Bridge and fishing. He lived his life with dignity, kindness, honor and grace. He was loved by so many for his sweet and loving nature. His "one-of-a-kind" personality and influence will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Judge Holland peacefully departed this life, June 10, 2022, at his home in Brownsboro, Texas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Holland; brothers, Richard Holland and Ben Holland; and sisters, Emma Jo Crout, Mary Ruth Pence and Jane Ann Taylor.
Judge Holland's beautiful life will forever be cherished in the hearts of his wife, Minnie Louetta Holland; son, Joseph Humphrey Holland of Athens, Texas; brother, Jerry Holland of Athens, Texas; stepsons, Todd Wright and wife, Kerri Wright, Chad Wright and wife, Amy wright, and stepdaughter, Shannon Wright, all of Brownsboro, Texas; 10 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m., June 15, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, Athens, Texas, under the direction of Autry's Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. prior to the services. There will be no viewing. A private graveside service will be held at Athens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Holland, Rick Holland, Steve Pence, Phillip Pence, Terry Taylor, Todd Wright and Chad Wright.