Vernon Ray Holland, known to everyone simply as Cowboy, tipped his hat for the final time on May 3, 2026, at his home in Bethel Springs, Tennessee. Born on November 25, 1954, in Dyer County to the late James Edward and Elizabeth Inez Holland. He was rarely seen without a cowboy hat—so much so that even his construction hard hat was shaped like one. If there was work to be done, Cowboy did it with a brim over his eyes and a steady hand on the controls.

Cowboy started in road construction at the age of 17. He spent decades as a skilled heavy equipment operator. He also proudly served his country for 10 years in the National Guard and spent a portion of his career serving his local community at the McNairy County Highway Department. On December 30, 1987, he married Deborah Melvin, and together they built a life centered on family and hard work. Beneath the rough-and-tumble exterior was a man who lived for his kids and grandkids.

Cowboy’s retirement years were spent enjoying the simple things. He loved taking trips with his family, though he may have driven them a bit crazy with his unwavering devotion to Gunsmoke, which he watched religiously at a maximum volume that could likely be heard in the next county over. He was a lover of animals, especially his loyal Chihuahua dogs, and in his younger years, he was an avid horseman and hunter. One of his favorite things to do was hop on his side-by-side to go feed the ducks and the fish. He was also known to provide snacks for various other forms of wildlife—though let the record show he was definitely not feeding the deer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy Holland, and infant twin sons. His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Deborah Holland; his son, Steven Leonard and wife Jena of Bethel Springs; his daughter, Anna Aguares and husband Nelson of Killen, Alabama; four grandchildren, Joshua Leonard (Gracie), Emma Leonard, and Wheeler and Mayah Aguares; and his great-granddaughter, Raelynn Leonard. He is also survived by his sisters, Gayle Goff and husband Sonny of Friendship, Tennessee, and Debra Jones and husband Roy of Dyersburg; his brothers, Roger Holland and wife Shelia of Fowlkes, and Randy Holland and wife Jenny of Gadsden; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.