Heaven gained a wonderful iron-willed angel, Clifford Holland, as he passed surrounded by loved ones, best known as Grandad by his grandchildren he adored, and Pa by the beautiful love of his life. A gracious man who never met a stranger whether it was over a CB- Radio or face to face. He had a message and a way in which he would impact your life forever.

Clifford Joe Holland, 73, of De Leon, was born March 2, 1947, in Gorman, Texas to John J. Holland and Dora Etta Tucker Holland. Clifford was raised in Desdemona and graduated from Desdemona, Class of 1965. Soon after graduation, Clifford married his loving wife of over fifty-five years, Galyna Callison, September 11, 1965. In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army, and served in Alaska in 1965 and 1966 during the Vietnam War. Clifford was proud of this service to the country he always loved. After his service duty was complete, he started a trucking career that would last up until his retirement in 2018. He trucked for various industries including dairy and agriculture. His trucking career allowed him the opportunity to travel all over the country taking in a vast amount of beautiful landscapes, and connecting with many people he would keep in touch with beyond his time behind the wheel. He also farmed peanuts and raised cattle for many years. While he and Galyna raised their family, Clifford was always active in the community serving on the School Board and the Appraisal District.  In retirement, he loved attending all of his grandkid's activities including sporting events, plays, graduations, and recitals. He was an exceptional grandad, and would smile from ear to ear as his grandkids would all tightly pile into the farm truck to go feed the cows with him.

Clifford was a kind and friendly man who made new friends wherever he went. He had a witty personality and was quite the storyteller. He was a devoted husband to Galyna; a selfless father to his three daughters; an involved and enjoyable grandad; a loving father-in-law, brother-in-law, and brother; caring neighbor and a loyal friend to many. Clifford will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by wife, Galyna; daughters, Kayla McCoy and husband, Shane, Shanna Lewis and husband, Gerald, and Kristin Matteson and husband, Heath; grandchildren, Katlyn McCoy, Karena McCoy, Madilyn Lewis, Anyssa Lewis, Colton Matteson and Cayson Matteson; brothers, Ronnie Holland and wife, Jane, Sammy Holland and wife, Susan, and Danny Holland; brother-in-law, Lannes Callison and wife, Beth; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Clifford has been reunited with his parents, John and Dora Holland.

Graveside funeral services celebrating Clifford's life were held Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Brother Matt Morton officiating.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society,  American Heart Association, or to St. Joe Baptist Church, in memory of Clifford. Honorary pallbearers were Laramie Callison, Bradley Holland, Brandon Holland, Mackenzie Holland, Matthew Holland, Colton Matteson, Shane McCoy, Gerald Lewis and Heath Matteson.

Due to the current Comanche County COVID-19 regulations on group gatherings, we kindly ask that any friends planning to attend Clifford's graveside service respectfully stand at least 20 feet from the tent. The tent seating will be reserved for immediate family only. We are saddened that we cannot currently allow friends to pay their respects to the Holland family with a traditional visitation and ceremony. The family appreciates your understanding of the graveside safety regulations and is thankful for your continued prayers and kind thoughts during this difficult time. Masks are required in large gatherings.