Leon Holland

Leon Burton Holland, age 78, of Hickory Plains, Arkansas, passed away August 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Hickory Plains on April 8, 1948, the son of Arlie Burton Holland and Madeline Lynette Holland. Leon graduated from Des Arc High School. Following graduation, he pursued a career with the Arkansas State Highway Department in the Surveys Division. During the beginning of his career, he was enlisted in the Army and served 18 months in Vietnam as a Combat Medic. After returning from Vietnam, he continued his work. On March 24, 1972, he married his wife of 54 years, Romona (Pasley) Holland. Leon remained with the Highway department and received several promotions and happily retired after 36 years. Leon enjoyed his time working as a land surveyor and continued working a few additional years for a privately owned surveying company.

Most of his home time was spent gardening, cutting/baling hay and helping family, friends and neighbors. He loved his garden and would be up at daylight hoeing and tilling. He would also drive his tractor around the community and till up anyone’s garden that needed it. Leon would also spend many days during the summer cutting and splitting wood for the family’s wood burning stove in his home. He also provided wood for many of the widowers and others who could not do so.

He also loved to watch wildlife and would keep extensive logs of what he saw, when and where he saw it along with the temperature at the time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arlie Holland, his mother, Madeline Holland, and sister, Patricia Holland.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Romona Holland, daughter, Rhonda and son-in-law, Chuck Huggins, son Donnie and daughter-in-law, Misti Holland, one sister, Veronica Carol McArthur (Mige) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Hickory Plains Cemetery. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com.