Johnny Ray Holson

Johnny Ray Holson, 87, of Albany, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at First Christian Church in Albany. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Albany Cemetery under the direction of Girdner Funeral Home of Abilene.

Johnny was born in Mena, Arkansas, to Lucille and Herman Holson. He was baptized in a creek by a Baptist preacher and attended Rocky School and Mena High School.

He married Nancy on Nov. 14, 1956, in Albany. He began working in the oil well servicing business at the age of 15 and later started and operated his own company. At one point, he ran nine rigs throughout the Big Country. He later acquired Albany Exxon and co-owned several racehorses.

Johnny took great pride in maintaining his yard, cultivating trees, flowers, and other plants, and was recognized with the “Yard of the Month” award. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their sports and activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kirk Holson; five brothers; and four sisters. He was the last surviving sibling of a family of ten children.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; three children, Becky Cook and husband Ron, Charles Holson, and Jill Rogers and husband Michael; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.