Gerald Jackson Holder

Gerald Jackson Holder, age 84, of Newalla passed away on May 17, 2024. Gerald Holder was born on August 7, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the oldest of four children born to Walter Lee Holder and Eunice Fern (Tevis). He was raised in Oklahoma City where he attended school until about the age of 16. He was attending Jackson Junior High School when he decided to answer the call to service. Gerald joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country honorably and faithfully for three years. He truly valued his education and future, so while he was in the Air Force he obtained his GED. After his time in the service, he went straight into the workforce. Gerald was driven and dedicated to working hard every single day; he truly was a jack-of-all-trades. In his younger years, he worked in sales, as a hospital technician, and several other odd jobs. Later, he found his true passion as a fork truck driver at General Motors. While working there, Gerald was known as the, "Candy Man" because he loved snacking on all sorts of sweets and candies! He was employed at General Motors for nearly 23 years before he eventually retired in 2002. In the 1970's, Gerald was reconnected with a young woman by the name of, Pauletta Jean Dowdy. Gerald had known Pauletta since she was only 11 years old and he had always been a dear friend of Pauletta's brother, Charles, so it was only fate that they found their way back to each other! Gerald and Pauletta were married in 1976, and not only did he welcome Pauletta into his family, but he welcomed her son, Jeff, as well. Together, Gerald and Pauletta, shared 47 wonderful years of marriage and many wonderful memories to last a lifetime. In his free time, Gerald enjoyed fishing and tinkering around on all kinds of electronics. He would clean and restore the old machines, and have them working perfectly in no time! Gerald was a kind man with a generous heart, and he had the biggest laugh! He loved his sweets, whether it was candy, pie, or donuts. He never turned them down! More than anything, Gerald was a man of great faith. He accepted Jesus into his heart and walked hand-in-hand with him daily. Gerald was a proud member of the North Side Church of God in Norman, and he would proudly profess his faith to anyone and everyone. Gerald was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and a true friend. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his parents, Walter Holder and Eunice Jones; sons, Rodney and Ricky Holder; brother, Harold Holder; grandmother, Dollie May Tevis; mother- in-law, Pauline Coster; and brothers-in-law, Reginald Dowdy and Charles Dowdy. Gerald is survived by: his loving wife, Pauletta Holder of the home; son, Jeff Smock of Newalla; daughter, Renee Vanderpool (Rick); sisters, Paula and Linda; in-laws, Dana and Pat Wagner, John and Flo Oswald, and Marie Dowdy; grandchildren, Connie, Christina, and Mandy; numerous great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the North Side Church of God in Norman, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery. www.wilsonlittle.com

Gerald Jackson Holder

August 7, 1939 - May 17, 2024