RJ Holland

RJ Holland of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away Dec. 4, 2015, in Holladay, Utah. He was 86. RJ was born Jan. 13, 1929, in Norman, Oklahoma. He later moved to California, where he worked at the Del Mar Cannery in Monterey. He later got drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War, where he got two Purple Hearts and many other medals. He later came back to marry his sweetheart, Lorraine L. Williams. He worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Oakland, California. After he retired, RJ moved to Tooele, Utah, and then to Wenden, Arizona. Lorraine passed away in July 1994. RJ later married Ivonda Irwin and moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona, where she passed away. He was preceded in death by his wives, his parents, his seven brothers, three sisters and one daughter. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, camping and boating with his family. Later in life, one of his greatest joys was riding his Goldwing trike (we thought he was having a midlife crisis). RJ was a member of the GWRRA motorcycle club, and a proud member of the NRA. RJ is survived by his son, Ronald J. Sr. (Laurie) Holland, Magna, Utah; daughters Rayla Jayne (Dewey) Holland of Robert Lee, Texas, Vicky (Steve) Hoagland of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Rita (Kenny) Beatie of West Jordan, Utah; grandchildren, Jenifer Marshall, Ronald J. Jr. (Liz) Holland, Justin Myers, Rachel Myers and Marty Myers III, Rhett Hoagland, Lacy (Dave) Smith and Misty (Zane) Lawhon; 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandkids. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Prescott, Arizona, at the National Cemetery with military honors. The family would like to thank Holladay Health Care and Canyon Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care given to RJ. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com.