Richard Douglas Holman, Col, USAF, Retired

Published 12:32 pm Wednesday, September 4, 2024

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September 23, 1942 – September 3, 2024

Waves, NC – An Airman slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings. Sunward he climbs as we remember him.

During his celebrated 26-year United States Air Force career, Doug earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was selected into the Red River Valley Association of Fighter Pilots for successfully striking targets in North Vietnam, the most highly defended area in the history of aerial warfare, with the World Famous and Highly Respected 555th “Triple Nickle” Fighter Squadron, and was chosen a Flight Examiner among other distinctions. He earned his Master Navigator wings with over 15 years of rated service, 3000 hours, and 132 months of operational flying experience.

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A member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, he graduated from The University of Alabama in 1964. He went on to earn a Troy State University Masters of Science degree in Management, Summa Cum Laude, while also graduating from the Armed Forces Staff College.

Going before him were his parents, Willie Virginia and James Raeford Holman; and wife, Linda Margaret Holman. Linda and he made their home in Waves, NC in 1990 in a house next to the ocean.

He leaves sister, Debra R Harris; brother, Donald W Holman; daughter, Jennifer Leigh Barham; daughter, Lisa Dawn Holman; and grandson, Clayton Thomas Barham. In addition, neighbor Robert W Midgette (Jonna and Jorah) will miss him greatly.

The kind and attentive services of Adoration Hospice have been much appreciated, as well as the caregiving attention of Brenda Pignoli, in his recent final battle.

There will be an intimate memorial on the beach for the scattering of his ashes, as he requested.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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