Richard Rainey Holland

Richard Rainey Holland, age 93, departed his earthly home August 26, 2018 at Medicalodge Dewey. Richard, known as Dick, was the eldest of seven children born to Richard and Effie Holland in Mississippi. He received his early education in Mississippi and at the age of 18 was called into service during WW II. He served two and a half years in the Air Force as a waist gunner on B 17s (Flying Fortress) and was Staff Sgt when discharged. In 1946 Richard and Sybil Pass were united in marriage and soon thereafter they began their life together at Louisiana State University. After one semester there, Richard transferred to Mississippi State College (MSU University) where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Petroleum Geology. After graduation Richard worked several years for Seismograph Services Corp and later Chevron Oil Co. Those positions required frequent moves. They lived in ten states (several places in some states) and actually visited all 50 states plus several foreign countries. When their first and only child, Donna was born they decided it was time for less moving. Richard joined Phillip Petroleum Co. and remained with them 29 years when he retired in 1985. He worked first as a geologist and later transferred to their geophysical dept. He was a senior geophysicist when he retired. While employed with Phillips he co-authored a professional book about geology in the Puckett Field in West Texas. He formerly has memberships in A.A.P.G., S.E. G and a European geophysical society as well as several other professional organizations. Richard always had a thirst for learning and surrounded himself with books, actually acquiring his own personal library. He was a true “Rock Hound” and had a large rock collection. In addition to reading and rocks, he loved music, working in his yard and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a member of the All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa for many years before moving to Bartlesville more recently. Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and a sister. Surviving him are his loving wife, of 72 years, Sybil, his devoted daughter, Donna Copeland and her husband Dale, all of Bartlesville. Two grandsons survive him, Jon Copeland and wife Kimberly of Bartlesville and Nathan Copeland and wife Cheryl of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by three great-grandsons, Nickolas, Lukas and Isaac Copeland. His brother, Paul Holland and wife Doris and sister Bonnie Morgan all of Mississippi survive him as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who called him Uncle Rainey. A private family service and burial will be held at Memorial Park Chapel and Cemetery in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorials in Richard’s name be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter, 2448 East 81st Street, Suite 3000, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74137. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Medicalodges and Cornerstone Hospice for their excellent professional care and compassion for Richard during his time there.

Richard Rainey Holland

June 26, 1925 - August 26, 2018