Funeral Services will be celebrated Saturday December 1, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the North Star B.C. with burial following in St. Luke Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a wake service the preceding Friday at the North Star B.C. from 6-9 p.m.

Mr. Ray Holden, Sr. was born August 25, 1942 to the parentage of the late Mr. Melvin Holden and Mrs. Murlean Ratliff Holden as the fourth of six siblings. He exchanged time for eternity in his residence on November 24, 2012 at 5:40 a. m. surrounded by family.

Brother Holden was baptized into the Christian faith during his last years. He had long been a believer but was blessed to take this active step into Christianity while a pilgrim here on earth.

His education was secured at the hands of caring teachers and administrators in the now defunct Gooch and Allen Schools.

Mr. Holden's professional pursuit revolved around the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan. He was gainfully employed there as a skilled tradesman for more than three decades and retired from this post in 2000. Following retirement from his initial position with Chrysler he moved home and later took an assignment with the Natchitoches Parish Library.

Brother Holden had a passion for fishing and hunting which occupied much of his time before and after working hours. He also possessed a love for growing things from God's earth which brought forth his planting, tending and harvesting of vegetables each year. The greatest portion of the yield being shared with family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Mr. Melvin and Mrs. Murlean Holden and one son, Kirk Ambrose.

Those who will forever cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mrs. Wanda Calhoun Holden, his children, Ray Holden, Jr. of Natchitoches, LA, Andre Holden of Detroit, MI, Patrice Parker (Leonard) of Marthaville, LA, Alfred Thomas, Jr. (Shelia) of Baytown, TX, and Marcus Thomas (Yolanda) of Spring, TX, nineteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, siblings: Rev. Lamar Holden (Doris) of Shreveport, LA, Roy Holden of Natchitoches, LA, Irma Berry of Natchitoches, LA, Annie Mae Holden of Natchitoches, LA, Lessie Berry (John) of Robeline, LA,; uncles: Luther Ratliff, Sr. of Natchitoches, LA, and JL Ratliff of Shreveport, LA; mother-in-law: Mitty Calhoun; eight brothers-in-law and eight sisters-in-law; a favorite niece, Doretha Holden, and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.