Obituary of Clarence "Ray" Holly

Ray Holly, 83, of Browns Valley, CA, lost his battle with cancer on November 12, 2017. Ray had been a resident of Yuba County for 48 years. Ray was born August 11, 1934 to Frances and Robert Turner Holly in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was the youngest of eight children. Ray grew up on his family farm in Tulia, Texas. He helped his father for as long as he could remember. Farming wasn't just a job for him, it was a lifestyle. He worked in acres not hours. Throughout his teenage years he worked with many ranchers and they quickly discovered Ray's talent for training horses. Wild horses were brought to him to be broken. Ray enjoyed the challenge and wasn't afraid of hard work. During this time he met his future wife Wanda McMillin. They fell in love instantly. Ray and Wanda both loved country life and had a passion for the great outdoors. They were married December 22, 1956 and had two children Vickey and David. Ray joined the Army in 1957 and proudly served several years. Ray, Wanda and the children moved between Texas and California depending on where he could find work. Installing chain link fences became his expertise. He pointed out this skill on many drives past various schools, zoos, prisons and interstates. He was a laborer's local 185 member, as well as American Legion and Moose Lodge. Ray retired in 1988 and enjoyed being a 'Grandad' to his three grandchildren, Melissa, Clinton and Lori. He and Wanda loved being grandparents taking them on trips and spending time with them. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, working in the garden and taking long drives. Ray moved in with his granddaughter Melissa and her family when Wanda became gravely ill. He spent the last 12 years of his life living in Browns Valley enjoying country life once more. Loved by all who knew him, Ray is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda and his parents. He is survived by his daughter Vickey Carpenter and son David Holly. Grandchildren Melissa (Carlos) Horan, Clinton (Jennie) Harlan and Lori Carpenter. Great grandchildren Keegan, Jason, Audrey, Richard, Robert, Tanner, Dustin and Logan. Great-great granddaughter Paisley, sister Dorothy Harbour and many nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 from 3-6pm at Sierra View Mortuary. Funeral service to follow on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Sierra View Memorial Park and Mortuary. Reception following at American Legion on Feather River Blvd.