Robert Benjamin Holladay

Robert Benjamin Holladay, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 2nd at the age of 93. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 13, 1932, Robert’s life was shaped by the resilience of the Great Depression and his deep love for family, faith, and adventure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Samuel S. Holladay and Bessie L. Holladay, and his loving wife of 38 years, Dorothy K. Holladay.

Robert excelled in multiple sports throughout his youth, demonstrating athletic talent early on. He graduated in 1950 from Columbia High School in Columbia, Louisiana, where he set the state record for the 220-yard dash—a record that would stand for 20 years. Robert also excelled in basketball, football, track, and baseball, becoming an all-around athlete. His outstanding achievements earned him a spot at the University of Tulsa, where he played basketball and football.

After college, Robert played professional football, starting with the Los Angeles Rams in 1956. His exceptional skills as a defensive back quickly earned him a trade mid-season to the San Francisco 49ers, where he played until 1957. A rugged 5-foot-11, 175-pound standout, Robert had an uncanny nose for the football, recovering four fumbles during his rookie season, ranking second best in the NFL. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he suffered a broken leg in Week 7, sidelining him for the rest of the year. Despite this setback, Bob's determination and defensive skills left a lasting impression on the game.

After his playing days, Robert transitioned to scouting for the Los Angeles Rams, utilizing his knowledge of the game to help identify talent for the team. In 1974, he also played a key role in the creation of the Shreveport Steamer’s, a professional American football team in the World Football League. As the primary fundraiser, Robert helped bring the team to life, marking another important chapter in his legacy within the world of football.

Robert also attended SMU Perkins School of Theology, where he obtained his Masters of Divinity. His years in academia were foundational to his service as an ordained Methodist minister, guiding him in both his faith and his family.

In addition to his ministry, Robert made a name for himself in the financial planning industry, working for many years in North Louisiana and Dallas before settling in Natchitoches in 1983. It was in Natchitoches that Robert and Dot blended their families together into one. Robert cherished these years, becoming an avid golfer and developing a love for hunting and fishing with his son-in-laws and step-sons. He found the greatest joy seeing his grandchildren not only learn but embrace his same hobbies and athletic pursuits with the same passion he had for them. He became their biggest cheerleader - attending every game they may have participated in!

Robert also had a special place in his heart for New Orleans. For several years, he was part of Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club during Mardi Gras. He cherished his time down south with his friends and family.

In Natchitoches, Robert was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, where his faith remained a cornerstone of his life. He also enjoyed traveling with Dot, from exploring islands in the Caribbean to venturing across Europe (without an itinerary!). Every trip, it seemed, was better than the last.

He is survived by his daughter, Sonja Holladay Todd (Tim); step-daughter, Kim Townsend Johnson (Pat); step-son, William L. Townsend III (Karen); step-son, T. Taylor Townsend (Gina E. Goings); and his siblings: Samuel S. Holladay (Frances), John R. Holladay (Pansy), Miles T. Holladay (Karen), and Marguerite H. Buckley. Bob was a proud grandfather to Caroline Todd Denton (Stephen), Rebecca Todd Stewart (Reed), Sarah Kathryn Johnson Mason (Shane), Margaret Johnson Harris (Matt), Elizabeth Johnson Orenbaun (Sutton), Patrick Johnson (Haley), William Townsend, Anne Townsend Zeichner (Ben), Katherine Townsend Doolin (Liam), and Austin Townsend (Kara). He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Harris Denton, Clyde Stewart, Townsend and Hayes Mason, Sterling Kathryn Roy, Tucker, Sawyer, and McKinley Harris, Sutton “Mac” and Kemper Orenbaun, Lillian and Clayton Johnson, Aubrey Zeichner, and Tripp Townsend.

Throughout his life, Robert was known for his deep love of family, his strength, and his unwavering dedication to those he cared about. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, sharing stories, offering advice, and providing a steady presence in their lives. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—including on the football field.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Stephen Denton, Robert C. Holladay, Patrick Johnson, Reed Stewart, Austin Townsend, and William Townsend.

A memorial service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at Memory Lawn Cemetery on Sunday, April 6th at 1pm. Robert Holladay will be forever remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.