Grover Aubrey (G.A.) Holaway's Obituary
Grover Aubrey (G.A.) Holaway, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and cherished husband, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 19, 1931, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to G.A. Sr. Holaway and Tressie Jeane Holaway. Growing up in Leesville, Louisiana, he graduated from Pickering High School and went on to earn his teaching certificate before proudly serving in the United States Air Force as a supply officer, where he had the opportunity to embark on adventures in Canada.
While student teaching at Hessmer High School, G.A. met the love of his life, Annie Lee Ponthier. They married on May 21, 1955, and shared a beautiful life together for 61 years until her passing. Their journey began in Baytown, Texas, where they welcomed their first son, Mark. Eventually, the couple returned to G.A.’s roots in Leesville and they welcomed their second son David and then third son, Gordon. He was dedicated to education as the agriculture and FFA teacher at Pickering High School for an impressive thirty-four years, retiring in 1996. Even after retirement, G.A. remained actively involved with the school community, assisting with trips and projects, and serving as a bus driver for six years. He was a longtime member of East Leesville Baptist Church.
He was a well-respected member of the community. G.A. served as president of Farm Bureau for an extended period and was an integral part of the Fair Grounds Committee. He was a man of many talents, with hobbies that included farming, carpentry, gardening, and hunting. His love for the outdoors was evident in everything he did.
G.A. was preceded in death by his parents G.A. Sr. and Tressie Jeane, his wife Annie, his sons David and Gordon Holaway and his brother Kenneth (Cubby) Holaway.
He is survived by his sister Newlyn Bush, his son Mark Holaway and daughter-in-law Judy Holaway, his grandkids Jimmie Patrick (J.P.) Rodgers and Jaimi Ashley and son-in-law Joseph Ashley, along with four great-grandsons Titus, Gideon, Silas, and Judah Ashley. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Grover loved living on his family farm in Pickering, where he found joy in nature and tranquility in the company of loved ones.
In his final days, G.A. was lovingly cared for by Etta Dekarske, with whom he had shared a special bond since 2018. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, dedication, and community service will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, Bro. Joe Ashley officiating. Burial will follow in the Leesville Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21st from 12:30 P.M. until time of service at the funeral home.
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