John Wesley (Johnny) Holder, Jr.

RALEIGH - John Wesley Holder, Jr., 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2016 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease . He is survived by his loving  wife of 53 years Gayle Coats Holder; daughters, Joan Holder Washburn (Ivan) of Creedmoor and Leanna Holder McKoy (Braxton) of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Alexandra Coats Washburn, Victoria Washburn Wood (Luke), Braxton Elder McKoy Jr., Daniel Holder Washburn, and Natalie Jane McKoy;  a sister Joanne Holder Tucker (Jimmy): and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by Meredith Williams, a long-time family friend who provided extraordinary care during his illness.   He was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Holder, and his mother, Mildred McGhee Holder. Johnny was born in Raleigh on August 23, 1939.  His childhood years were spent on East Jones Street where he attended Needham Broughton High School.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1960.  Johnny had a successful 51 year career at The News and Observer, of which he was very proud. He began as a printer and later served as a Machinist and Equipment Technician.  Johnny served as a Deacon at North Street Baptist Church and later became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows Fraternal Organization, Sir Walter Lodge 411.  Many people will also remember Johnny because of his hot dog stand at the NC State Fair, Holder’s Dog House, which has been in his family for 63 years. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 9, at 2 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2100 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608.  The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 PM at the church.  Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018