Obituary
William (Billy) Francis Holden went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was born Wednesday April 3, 1958, to Francis R. (“Butch”) and Sharon L. (Julian) Holden.
From an early age, Billy marched to the beat of his own drum—literally. On his 13th birthday, he received a snare drum as a birthday gift, yet he would march in neighborhood parades with a guitar. Billy always made sure his siblings and others knew he was the oldest brother. He had a tendency to accentuate his tallness for his age, even convincing a neighbor, Carl Grube, to build him a “tall” bike—created by inverting a bicycle and welding a car steering wheel in place of the handlebars. He could be seen riding that unique creation all around town and was even featured in the Fulton Patriot newspaper. He was also an enthusiastic roller skater in his teenage years, able to zip around the rink with his fancy, almost rubber band like leg movements, forward and backwards. Even off wheels, he could “cut a rug” on the dance floor
Billy’s lifelong pursuit was working as a chef. He was a breakfast cook for many years at Aunt Fanny’s (where he was known as “Slim”) and The Farmhouse in Belleview, and most recently at Eggs Over Easy in Ocala, where they treated him very well, as his last years made it difficult for him to stand for long periods.
In his adult years, Billy loved riding his motorcycle and cruising the open road. He also had a passion for gardening, transforming his backyard into a lush green field of vegetables, especially his robust bean gardens. Billy was a kind-hearted man, often cooking meals and bringing them over to his parents’ house on Tuesdays—or just whenever he felt like it. He also shared meals at some of his favorite bars and billiards spots, where he had many friends and enjoyed much laughter.
Billy was predeceased by one of his favorite cats, Patches, who was lovingly memorialized in a set of hand-stitched pillows, a special Christmas gift from his sister Sherri this past year—one of the best Christmases he’d had in a while.
Billy is survived by his parents, Butch and Sharon Holden; his brother Mark and wife Tara; his sister Sherri Raymond and husband Mark; and his sister Shelly LeClair and husband John. A niece Jessica(Eric) Goodnough, a nephew Jacob(Larissa) Raymond, Amber (Matt) Lavigne, and great nephews and nieces Damian, Gavin, Kamden, Chloe and Carson. He is also survived by his two beloved cats, Sabrina and Max. A special thanks to his sister Shelly, who dedicated many years to managing things for Billy when he was unable to do so himself—her reward in heaven surely awaits her. And a special thank you to Billy’s neighbors Sharon and Jim Shanks, who loved Billy like their own and were always looking out for each other. They, and we all, will miss him much. As will his many friends at his favorite local “watering holes”.
A private family graveside celebration will take place in New York this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Marion County, 701 NW 14th Rd, Ocala, FL 34475.
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