Randall Wallace Holder, 66 of Scottsboro, won his battle with kidney cancer on Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023.
Randall was born in Fackler, AL on October 20, 1956. His family moved to Scottsboro when he was around 4 years old where he lived for most of the rest of his life. He was a proud member of the Scottsboro High School Class of 1975, where he played linebacker for the Scottsboro Wildcats football team and was said to be Coach Jacobs’ favorite. He was also a certified lifeguard at the pool during the summers.
While attending Scottsboro High School, he met the love of his life, Gwen Turner. They married on August 11, 1979, and began their adventures together. Randall and Gwen were blessed with their one and only baby girl, Rebecca, on May 14, 1980.
For many years, Randall was a little on the grumpy side and things had to be done his way. We all knew that this was just the “Robert E” in him coming out, but we didn’t dare tell him that. This all changed when his precious granddaughters, Breanna and Lexi, came into his life. “Poppa” went from being a big grump to a big softie almost immediately. Watching his granddaughters grow up truly was the highlight of his life.
Throughout his life, Randall enjoyed various activities. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a member of the Scottsboro Masonic Lodge #369. He once owned a banjo and a harmonica even though no one can remember him ever playing either. He did have a love for music though, and he generally had some playing while sitting around the house. His musical tastes were varied so you never quite knew which song would play next, but it was a pretty good bet that “Brown Eyed Girl”, something by The Rolling Stones, and something by Hank Williams Jr. would be somewhere in the mix.
He could often be found near any type of water whether it be a lake, the river or the ocean. He always seemed to find peace sitting on a beach with a cold beer in hand listening to the waves roll in, or on a boat watching for a bobber to sink so he could set his line and reel in a keeper.
He also enjoyed a good road trip, especially if it involved riding somewhere on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. “Hoghead”, as he was affectionately known by his fellow Harley enthusiasts, rode his bike all over the southern US, traveling as far as Key West, FL.
Randall was also a lifelong fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. Anyone who knew him knew that you’d better not walk in front of his TV while the Tide was playing. We are certain that he is currently discussing this year’s team with Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Troy Ferguson, and Danny and Jerry Bogle while looking down on Bryant-Denny Stadium. He will forever have the best seats in the house for the games.
Randall spent his last days here on Earth with those he loved most. He leaves behind his wife Gwen Holder, daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Anthony Murphy, his granddaughters Breanna and Lexi Murphy, two brothers Gene and Larry Holder, favorite (and only) sister Beth (Byron) Jones, sisters-in-love Carolyn Turner, Paula (Terry) Loyd and Angie Turner, and several very special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We know without a doubt that Randall was greeted at the Pearly Gates by family and friends who were called home before him and eagerly awaited his arrival. The first to meet him with a big, warm hug and kiss was his mother, Rena Mae Holder. His father, Robert Eugene Holder, and his grandparents, John Fred and Katie Bell Holder and Tom Walker and Cora Garner were no doubt close behind. He was always Mama Garner’s favorite anyway. And following them were multiple aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. We hope the Cabo Wabo tequila and moonshine flowed freely at the party that inevitably took place on that day.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Diaz and the wonderful staff at CCI in Huntsville for their excellent and diligent care of Randall for the past six and a half years. We would also like to thank Heartlite Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance during his final days.
A Celebration of Life service will be held, Saturday, October 14, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at his home, 132 Andrew Jackson Way, Scottsboro, AL, for friends and family to gather and reminisce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Randall’s honor.
Memories and online condolences may be left for the family at www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
