Richard Holland

Richard Lawrence Holland, 91, of Gastonia, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Born in Erie, PA, he was the son of the late Benjamin Holland and Loretta Dudenhoeffer Holland.

Mr. Holland was retired from the trucking industry and proudly served our country as a Ranger in the US Army during World War II where he participated in the invasion of Normandy and the battle of Pointe Du Hoc.

Mr. Holland attended East Garrison Baptist Church where he was active in the Joy Club.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Jane Holland; brothers, Ralph "Jonas" Holland and Raymond Holland.

Mr. Holland is survived by his wife of 21 years, Donnie Lyles Holland; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Holland McDonald and Robert McDonald of Charlotte, and Susan and James Piotrowski of New Smyrna Beach, FL; step-children and spouses, Jeanette Medlin of Gastonia, Cathy and Eddie Falls of Bessemer City, Mike and Brenda Medlin of Farmington, MO, and Tim and Vicki Medlin of Charlotte; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Kenji Fukui of FL; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service on Monday at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors, in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC, East Garrison Baptist Church Building Fund, 1226 E Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28054 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Local arrangements by Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street.