In 1967 he and his wife, Bankie, moved to Monticello when Dr. Holley accepted a position in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at what was then known as Arkansas A&M College. In addition to teaching several generations of students at the University for forty years, Dr. Holley chaired the department for a number of years. He had done extensive scholarly research and was an expert on agricultural history and Arkansas state history. Because of his achievements in researching, documenting, teaching, and writing on the history of the state of Arkansas, Dr. Holley received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arkansas Historical Association in 2007.
Dr. Holley was a noted author; having published three books, multiple articles, and having served as the editor of the Drew County Historical Journal for several years. His first book, Uncle Sam's Farmers: The New Deal Communities in the Lower Mississippi Valley, won the Agricultural History Society Book Award in 1975. His second book, The Second Great Emancipation: The Mechanical Cotton Picker, Black Migration, and How They Shaped the Modern South, details the role of mechanization in changing the face of agriculture in the South. His final book, Celebrating a Century of Opportunity, was commissioned by UAM on their one-‐hundredth anniversary.
Dr. Holley and Bankie, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Bankie, of Little Rock; his son, Stephen, and his wife, Kelly, of Centennial, CO; his daughter, Helen, and her husband Seth, of Little Rock; his brother, Mark, and his wife Mary, of Jasper, AL; and three grandchildren, Bailey Holley of Little Rock, and Nathaniel and Benjamin Holley of Centennial, CO.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences(20)
John Bailey
Cabot, AR Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Dr. Holley was an excellent person and teacher. I attended his classes in the early 1980s. He will be missed.Jackie Erwin McKeown
Tillar, AR Saturday, December 22, 2012 I'm sorry for the late posting! Very fond memories of Dr Holley--as a History major I enjoyed several classes with him. He was a good solid teacher. He always showed up for class and actually taught the class-So many teachers now just want to talk about personal issues--I appreciated his dedication.Marilyn Weih
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 4, 2012 Ms. Holley, I'm so sorry for your loss. You taught my daughter, Melissa, 6th grade band at MMS in 2002-03. Your husband is buried next to my husband, Melissa's father. I've been watering the flowers as they were so lovely. If I can be of any help just let me know. May you and your family find God's peace.John Porter Price
Monticello, AR Friday, November 30, 2012 Bankie I am deeply saddened by the death of Don. He was a very special man with talents that few have. I treasure my memories of Mason Hill as I watched your family grow up, and I stiil see Don driving up in his "Blue Bug". I trust wonderful memories will help soothe your pain as you travel this most difficult path. Your friend.Carole (Johns) Rushing
Green Hill, AR Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Steve, I'm so sorry to learn of the death of your Dad. . Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I think of you often and the great time you, Nancy, Wayne and I enjoyed in Colorado."Aunt" Carole
Joy Holley
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Dear Bankie, Helen, Steven and family:Thinking of you during this difficult time. Your husband and Dad was a special person, and I know you will miss him. I hope it helps to know that others care.
Joy Holley
Billie
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 24, 2012 I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers. Dr. Holley was a great teacher and mentor. He will be missed.Allen Chandler
Wilmot, AR Friday, November 23, 2012 So sorry to hear of Dr. Holley's passing. I have fond memories of his classes at UAM in the late '70's and early '80's.k.t. Patten
monticello, AR Friday, November 23, 2012 Mrs. Holley and family, my words cannot express my sympathies over losing such a wonderful man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! -former student of Mrs. HolleySharon n Paul Dwyer
Ft. Myers, FL Thursday, November 22, 2012 We were blessed to meet Don and Bankie at our daughter's wedding. He will be missed by all of us. We are praying for the entire Holley family for their loss. love Sharon n Paul DwyerJanice G McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, November 22, 2012 Bankie & family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers have been with you through your illnesses. I pray God will surround you with love and comfort at this sad time. With love and sympathy, Janice Gladden (Wiggam) McAllisterLaura Lee Dearman
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 22, 2012 Bankie and family, I am truly so sorry about your loss. I've been thinking of both you and Donald so much and hope you are improving daily. Love, Laura LeeMary & James Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Our deepest sympathy to the family. He will be greatly missed.michael scott
, TX Wednesday, November 21, 2012 I am Opal and Robie's middle son.John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Montiello, AR Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Ms. Bankie, Helen, & Stephen & Family -Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during the difficult days ahead. He was a great man and will be missed by many.
Love,
John, Paige (Hill), Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared Stell
Terry Hunter
Beebe, AR Wednesday, November 21, 2012 I had the privilege of knowing Dr Holley through his teaching at UAM. I found him to be a facinating person and knowledgeable in everything he taught. I certainly learned alot from him about our Great State. He will be missed.Karon Lord Parrish
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Mrs. Holley, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord keep you wrapped in his arms as you find strength to get through many difficult days.Karon Lord Parrish
Former band student
Pamela Pace Blann
Crossett, AR Tuesday, November 20, 2012 SO sorry to hear about your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family.Pam Pace Blann
Stacey Young-Davis
, AR Monday, November 19, 2012 Mrs. Bankie, Stephen and Helen,Keeping your precious family in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Donald was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many people.
Pat Scifres Montgomery
, AR Monday, November 19, 2012 So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.