“4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:4,6)
The youngest of eleven siblings, Douglas Holden was born on Friday, August 6, 1965 in Madison, Alabama to the late Cliff and Casey Holden. He departed this life on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Casey Holden; brothers, Clifton, Eddie, Milton, Thomas, Samuel, Donnell and Dudley Holden; sisters, Geneva Holden Jones, Jean Holden Jones, and Darlean Holden Hayden.
Being brought by his parent during his young years, Douglas was in attendance at Big Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church.
Douglas graduated from Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama.
After graduating from high school, Douglas joined the United States Army and went on to complete a most honorable military career. He retired in 2013, as Sergeant First Class (SFC), which is the first senior non-commissioned officer and is most commonly assigned the role of Platoon Sergeant to serve as chief advisor and assistant to the Platoon Leader. While still serving in the army, Douglas befriended Chaplain Matt Williams who started vetchurch.com. Chaplain Williams tells that “Douglas encouraged me to continue with the work of Vet Church. He pointed out that people still feel lost and need to know that they are not alone and that others care. Douglas kept encouraging me to keep doing good for folks. Douglas offered some insight and advice when asked.”
Discovering the love of his life, Douglas was united in holy matrimony to Prathomporm Dang Ningsanont on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in Ellerslie, Georgia.
Douglas was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He influenced countless people in positive ways, both mentally and physically. Douglas was known for his generosity and bigheartedness, as well as his down-to-earth advice. Douglas befriended and helped many. He Co-Owned and managed the Thai House Restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. His influence on people in his life can be felt by listening to their stories. These stories will enliven those he helped and enlighten those who Hear them. Matt Williams story is just one example.
One person witnesses about Douglas, saying: “Douglas and I met close to twenty years ago through the restaurant in Columbus. With both of us Army, I was retired, and we kind of hit it off. Douglas and Dang invited us to go deep sea fishing in Biloxi. Douglas and I found out that we had a couple of more things in common. We both loved fishing and we were a little bit competitive. We began a tradition of at least one deep sea fishing trip a year where the winner got a printer or embroidered t-shirt from the loser. Over the many trips to Florida, the Georgia coast, and Alaska both of us ended up with a collection of t-shirts. Even after other people got involved, and we had a big fish pot for the boat. It was always between Douglas and me for bragging rights for the year. We would often tell people we were brothers from different parents. And, we were. I’m gonna miss you, Brother. By the way, I think you still owe me a t-shirt.”
Douglas leaves to mourn his passing: his loving wife, Prathomporm (Dang) Ningsanont Holden; five brothers: Leon (Loraine) Holden, Connie L. Holden, Curtis Holden, Nelson L. (Janice) Holden, Thurman (Judy) Holden; aunt, Lena M. Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The funeral service for SFC (RET) Douglass Holden will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Big Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church (133 Maple Street, Madison, AL 35758) with Pastor Jeff Jefferson officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. SFC (RET) Holden will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
