Ronald Lynn Holland

Ronald Lynn Holland, 77, of Mexia, passed away, Jan. 31, 2022, at Limestone County Medical Center in Groesbeck .

Ronnie was born on Aug. 25, 1944, to Billy Holland and Beatrice (Bennett) Holland in Hillsboro. He graduated from Whitney High School in 1962, where he played football. Later he earned his associate degree from Grayson Community College.

Ronnie had a long career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He began work at Lake Whitney State Park in 1965 as a force account worker and seasonal employee the first summer of the park’s operation. He became a Classified Park Attendant I at Cleburne State Park in October 1965. In November 1966, he transferred to Inks Lake State Park as a Park Attendant II, then moved to Possum Kingdom State Park and Dangerfield State Park in 1966 as the temporary manager of these locations.

In November 1967, he became Park Manager I at Bonham State Park. He achieved the role of Park Manager II while there. Ronnie transferred to Fort Parker State Park as Park Superintendent I in 1972, also achieved the level of Park Superintendent II while there. He was promoted to Regional Maintenance Specialist in September of 1980, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. Ronnie’s 33-year career with Texas Parks and Wildlife started with cleaning restrooms and ended in a management role. He received several accolades during his tenure and was a very respected leader in the TPW Department. In his park manager and superintendent roles, Ronnie was also commissioned as alaw enforcement officer for the State of Texas.

Ronnie moved to Mexia in 1972, where he remained until his death. He was a lifelong horseman and enjoyed teamroping steers and breeding and raising horses. He will be remembered as a friend to all, and always willing to lend a hand when anyone needed it.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Beatrice Holland and his brother and only sibling, Gene Holland.

He is survived by his daughter and only child, Ronda (Holland) Van Meter; son-in-law, Vernon Van Meter; grandchildren, Robert Van Meter and his wife Kaitlyn, Jessica Van Meter and Michael Van Meter.

The family plans to have a memorial service at a later date.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.