Derrel Wayne Holden Sr.

Derrel Wayne Holden, 81, of Searcy passed away Tuesday, January 6, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 22, 1933 in McRae, Arkansas, the only son and the fourth of five children of Elmer Earl and Mamie Ruth McAfee Holden. Derrel was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sisters Dean Holden Key and Mary Holden Heggie, his son Charles Holden, and granddaughter Shelly Bales. He is survived by his wife, Zella Fay Reed Holden, with whom he would have shared their 63rd wedding anniversary on Thursday, January 8th, 2015. Derrel is also survived by his sisters, Leah Burnett and Joyce Davis; his children, Rebecca "Becky" Holden, Linda "Carol" Bitting, and Derrel "Wayne" Holden Jr.; 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 8, at 2 p.m. at Westside Church of Christ at 709 West Arch Ave. in Searcy.