On April 17, 2004, Ben F. Holland moved on to entertain some new friends who eagerly awaited his arrival at the Pearly Gates. He successfully crammed 100 years worth of living in just 59 years of life. The friends and family who are left behind here on earth can gather for one more session with Ben at the center of attention, as always, at a visitation, Tuesday, April 20th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas. Ben spent his entire life in Austin. He grew up going to a deaf church with his parents where he learned to ``sign' with the best of them. He attended Abilene Christian College and began his working career at Capitol National Bank. He was a custom home builder, the first President of Southside Savings, co-owner and President of Southwest Title and in the past few years pursued the path to which he was born... enjoying life and his friends and family with every fiber of his being. He threw himself into dove hunts, fishing trips, and any other festive event that included those he loved. He was an entertainer to all, and possessed an incredible one of a kind wit that will never be duplicated. No one could have a more supportive and devoted advocate. No one will ever leave behind more original stories or more sad friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ben F. Holland and mother, Gladys. He is survived by his son, Ben F. Holland, III of Houston. The funeral service to celebrate this ``life well-lived' will be Wednesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley- Fish Funeral Home. Contributions are accepted for the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Weed-Corley- Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 4/20/2004.