Wilburn Ray Holland

November 19, 1944 – September 6, 2025

The world lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Wilburn Ray Holland, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Born on November 19, 1944, to Bessie Green and Raymond Holland, Wilburn was the youngest of ten children—a role that shaped his quick wit, boundless generosity, and lifelong devotion to family.

A proud Brownwood native, Wilburn attended Brownwood ISD and later built a career as a cable repairman at Superior Essex, where he worked faithfully from 1976 until his retirement in 2009. But his true calling was being a family man. His daughters, Terre and Robin, were the pride of his heart. Every Valentine's Day, without fail, they could count on heart-shaped candy boxes and a personal message from their dad printed in the newspaper—a tradition that lasted until they graduated high school.

Wilburn lived with a kind of devotion few men achieve. If his family needed him, he dropped everything. He was the man in the stands at every ballgame, the cheerleader at every event, the driver to every carnival, circus, and McDonald's play place. He became the steady, joyful presence in the lives of his grandchildren. His grandkids were his world, and he made sure they knew it.

A generous soul, Wilburn quietly changed lives. More than once, he paid for a stranger's groceries. He told stories of Brownwood's history with the charm of a natural storyteller. If he wasn't with family, you could find him at the bowling alley, behind home plate umpiring at the softball fields, or listening to one of his 2000+ 8-track tapes (played on four half-working players he refused to give up). He loved music, Disney trips, Six Flags adventures, and cheering on the Texas Rangers and Brownwood Lions. He lived life fully, with humor, energy, and joy.

He is survived by his sisters Joyce Laverne Dunn and Wanda Jean Middleton; his daughters Terre Harris and husband Scotty, and Robin Lynd; his grandchildren Audrey Smith and husband Jesse, Emily Cross and husband Cody, Alec Harris, Ian Harris, and Rylee Lynd; and his great-grandchildren Tye Cross, Everett Smith, Violet Smith, Tripp Cross, Hattie Smith, and Palmer Cross; as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents Bessie and Raymond Holland; his brothers Jamie Wayne, Dillard Allison, Lonnie Myrle, John Aubrie, Rex Lee, and Ralph Dee; and his sister Rita Faye.

The world feels a little dimmer without him, but heaven is brighter—and we rejoice that he is finally free of pain. His legacy of laughter, kindness, and unwavering love will live on through everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Blaylock Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bangs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Toys for Kids at Grand Starz, located at 2323 Belle Plain, Brownwood, Tx 76801