Raymond Lee Holt

Raymond Lee Holt, of Round Rock, Texas passed away on February 14, 2022 at the age of 93. There will be a private graveside service at the Nolan cemetery at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 17, 2022 with Rev. Daniel Norton officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater. The family will have a celebration of life on April 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Teravista Residents Club, 4319 Teravista Club Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665. Ray was born in Moores Hill, Indiana to Roy and Hattie Cox Holt on March 21, 1928. He graduated from Divide High School in Nolan County, Texas. Ray's life was a life of service. He served his country in what is now the Air Force during World War II and then the Air Force Reserves. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. He earned the World War II Victory medal. He served the cause of education by attending Texas Tech University, and obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Agricultural Science. He taught agriculture at Highland High School near Roscoe, Texas and then Loraine High. He then served his state by working for the Texas Education Agency as a reviewer of agricultural programs all over the State of Texas. He was given the "Degree of Honorary American Farmer" by the National Convention of the Future Farmers of America in 1983 and the "Distinguished Service Award" by the Young Farmers of Texas in 1992. Ray would speak proudly of his service during the war in the Alaskan Air Command under the direction of General Frank Armstrong. General Armstrong was the inspiration for the Gregory Peck character in the movie "12 O'Clock High," which made it one of Ray's favorite movies. He would tell of flying with General Armstrong over the North Pole. Ray was proud to be a teacher of agriculture. Even into his 90's, he could still recite the opening ceremonial words of the Future Farmers of America. He could identify the location of almost every independent school district in Texas. He also served his family as a second father to Kevin O'Donnell. He actually attended classes with Kevin at Texas State University so that Kevin would not be alone. He provided love and support to Kevin up to the day that Kevin passed away in 2021. Ray's favorite drink was Dr. Pepper. He would tell the story of an uncle who told him when he as a boy, "drink a Dr. Pepper a day and you will live to be an old man." Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy Jr. and by Kevin. Ray is survived by his broken-hearted son-in law Ed Pope and many people who knew him and loved him. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to Meals on Wheels of Williamson & Burnet Counties, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter or the Austin Center for Spiritual Living. In Ray's memory, please take some time to watch "12 O'Clock High," drink a Dr. Pepper, do something good for someone else and say, with the family, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . .enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Online condolences may be expressed at www.mccoyfh.com.