Lee Smith Holder

Lee Smith Holder, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of steadfast faith, entered his heavenly home surrounded by the love of his family. Born and raised in Frierson, Louisiana, Lee attended Shreve Christian Academy from 1974 to 1978, where he built the foundation of strong values, ethics, and faith that guided him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Lee attended Frierson Baptist Church with his loyal German Shepherd—affectionately known as King the Baptist—beginning a lifelong journey of serving the Lord. He carried his faith into adulthood, instilling those same beliefs in his wife, children, and grandchildren. Lee led by example, living a life marked by humility, devotion, and a Christ-centered heart.

A master craftsman, Lee spent his lifetime working in hardwood flooring. He began in the family business alongside his parents and brother before establishing his own company. His work took him across Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Natchitoches, where he formed lifelong friendships and left lasting impressions through his craftsmanship, integrity, and warm personality. Lee took immense pride in his work, treating every project as a reflection of his name and values.

Beyond work, Lee’s greatest passion was bass fishing. He loved nothing more than spending time on the water with his buddies at the Bayou Fishing Club and with his family, where his humor, storytelling, and camaraderie were cherished by all who knew him. He also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes, sharing both food and laughter with his family and friends.

Lee will be remembered as a storyteller, a social butterfly, sometimes a bumblebee, and always kind, compassionate, strong, and loving. Though a big, burly man on the outside, he had the heart of a teddy bear—unless, of course, you found a way to make him mad. His presence filled every room; his absence will be deeply felt.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Martha Holder of Frierson; his grandparents, Grover and Freda Smith and Rolond and Annie Delle Holder; and his beloved daughter, Stephanie Vailes 🦋.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Rebecca Holder; his children Tiffany Blevins, Heather Farris and husband Will, Rorry Bell and wife Cynthia, Jennifer Cox and husband Russell, Amy Holder and fiancé Joe, and Emily Holder and special friend Henry. He is also survived by his grandchildren Skylar Harper, Sean Harper, Claire Hughes, Gabby Vailes, Jacob Vailes, Austyn Cole, Kaylee Simmons, Natalee Lovejoy, Weston Farris, Shelby Canady, Levi Cox, Jinna Farris, Samantha Canady, and soon-to-arrive Rory Alexander Bell.

Lee is further survived by his in-laws, Wilma and William Burgess; his sister, Sherry and Milton McClure and their family; his brother, Paul and Leslie Holder and their family; and cousin Eric Hamelback and his family.

Pallbearers

Joe Harper, Russell Cox, William Farris, Rorry Bell, Henry McKinney, and Wesley Beshea.

Honorary Pallbearers

Jacob Vailes, Levi Cox, Skylar Harper, Jimmy Burns, Randy Hammontree, Byron Smith, Justin and Jeremy Hammontree, Bobby Humphreys, and Jacob Sites.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical staff and staff of Highland Hospital for their compassionate care, professionalism, and support during Lee’s long battle with heart failure.

The family welcomes testimonies, stories, special memories, and photographs. Your shared moments will be treasured and will help keep Lee’s spirit alive for generations to come.