Michael Matthew "Matt" Holland

Funeral services for Michael Matthew “Matt” Holland, 35, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Church of Christ with Marshall Coffey and Romi Clark officiating. Speakers will be John Havard, Hayland Hardy, Fred Oliver, Mike Nance, and Pat Nicholson. Interment will follow in the Old Union Cemetery.

Matt was born July 11, 1981 in Lufkin, Texas, and died Saturday, February 25, 2017 in a local hospital.

Matt had the most beautiful auburn hair and hazel eyes and never met a stranger. He graduated from Lufkin High School in 1999. Matt was the first “Little Panther”, was a diehard Panther fan, and his dream was to play baseball for the Lufkin Panthers. He truly bled purple! Matt met the love of his life at the age of 15. After they married, their greatest accomplishment was Yara Hope Holland, a beautiful auburn haired ball of energy. He attended Lubbock Christian University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Matt accomplished so much in his short life. He touched and loved so many people...he had the sweetest heart. Yara was his princess. He served her breakfast in bed and catered to her every whim. He was exceedingly proud and supportive of Joni in all her endeavors. He was also so proud of his dad when he got to coach high school ball. Matt and his dad were the best of friends and did everything together.

Matt is survived by his wife, Joni Holland; daughter, Yara Hope Holland; mom and dad, Judy and Michael “Bubba” Holland; sister, Patti Ward; grandmother, Joyce Holland; aunt and uncle, Brenda and John Mills; uncle, Rick Lawrence; aunt, Michelle Lawrence; special aunt, Jody Anderson; parents-in-law, Maximo and Josephine Alamo; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gabriel and Lisa Alamo, Allen and Daisy Alamo, and Philip Alamo; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Clark; grandparents, Patsy Stokes Allen and T.R. “Romie” Allen, and Robert “Buddy” Holland; and uncle, Michael Pat Lawrence.

Pallbearers will be Sandy Bate, John Bate, Kevin Lawrence, Zack Lawrence, Cody Clark, Glen Kimble, Allen Alamo, and Ritske Tibbertsma, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be the 1998-99 Lufkin High School District Champion baseball team, and all former teammates and coaches.

Memorial contributions may be made to Navy SEAL Foundation, 1619 D Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23459; Innocence Project, ATTN: Development, 40 Worth Street, Suite 701, New York, New York, 10013; or Autism Speaks, ATTN: Web Gift, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.