May 13, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —
Nathan Thomas Holland, age 82 of Kenly, NC, passed away on May 13, 2025. He was born in Wayne County on June 6, 1942, to the late Sam Holland and Alma Parker Holland. Nathan married Alice Sanford in February of 1988, and they made Goldsby Ok their home. They loved to have all the family in to visit. Nathan and Alice where active member of the Iron Chappel Church in Dibble Ok. Nathan dedicated his life to public service, working as a Highway Patrolman for the North Carolina Highway Patrol and as a Goldsboro Police officer in his younger days. For many years he was a long-distance truck driver. After retirement Nathan and Alice became campground host and traveled in the motorhome. They then moved to Mission Tx where he was an active member of the Hidden Valley Ranch Retirement community. After Alice passed away in 2017 Nathan moved to North Carolina to be closer to his sons. Nathan loved spending time with his family camping and traveling with Alice. Nathan loved his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his grandsons, Taylor Wayne Holland, and Bailey Holland, as well as his daughters-in-law, Rhonda Holland, Tina Holland and Lisa Collier ; Special great nephew, David Randall Deavers; son Travis Sanford and wife Rhonda of Conroe Tx, two daughters Kathy Kuhn and husband Roger of Goldsby Ok, Paula Oyerbides and husband Gilbert of Monahans Tx, Daughter in law Angie Sanford of Shiprock Nm; many grandchildren and great grandchildren also several nieces and nephews.
The Holland family will celebrate his life privately, honoring his wishes.
Nathan was preceded in death by his wife of 28 yrs Alice Holland, three sons, Raymond Holland, Robert Holland, and Terry Sanford. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Holland, J.S. Holland, and Victor Ray Holland, sisters, Cleo Holland Driver, Goldie May Smith, and Iris Lee, and many loved ones lost too soon.
