Mike Holman

William Michael Holman was born on March 24, 1955, and went home to Jesus on December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 3, 2026, at First Wooday Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Born in Longview, Texas, to Bill and Bobbie Holman, Mike grew up alongside big sister, Nancy, in Coolidge, where he was saved and baptized at the age of 10. His family later moved to Henrietta, where Mike grew in his faith, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated from Henrietta High School. He went on to attend Baylor University, where he was actively involved in Student Foundation and Chamber of Commerce, and formed friendships that would last a lifetime. During his college years, Mike participated in a mission trip to Malaysia and served as a summer youth intern at First Baptist Church Sherman, both experiences that truly shaped his life. Though Mike studied Finance at Baylor, he majored in fully enjoying the college experience – from days at the ballpark and stadium to dancing at Waco Hall.

At Baylor, Mike met the love of his life, Sherrie Burson. Mike swept Sherrie off her feet with his thoughtful and generous nature, and they married on May 13, 1978. Together they built a life rooted in faith, service, laughter, and love, raising three children: sons Burson and Blake, and daughter, Bonnie. Seeing each child marry and begin their own families was one of Mike’s greatest sources of pride.

Mike’s career began in 1977 as a state bank examiner, before joining his father at the family-owned First National Bank of Henrietta in 1979. His banking career ultimately led him to Mansfield and then Hillsboro, where he again joined the family in owning and managing First State Bank. Mike had a deep love for small-town communities and a passion for serving others. He delighted in organizing community events and was actively involved in Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, and the Hillsboro School Board. He served faithfully in his church as a Sunday school teacher, and he loved coaching all three of his children in youth sports. The teams he coached may not have won the most games, but they certainly always had the most fun.

The sale of the family bank eventually brought the Holmans to Waco in 2000, a move Mike celebrated as a return to “Bear Country.” A lifelong Baylor supporter, his wardrobe was famously green and gold. He was never shy about sharing a thoughtful opinion on all things Baylor. Football tailgates hosted by Mike were legendary – open to friends, family, and anyone who happened to wander by.

In Waco, Mike continued his life of service through the Boys and Girls Club of Waco, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, and numerous Baylor boards and committees. He developed a love of traveling abroad and enjoyed mentoring college students through the Baylor Business in Europe program. First Woodway Baptist was his church home; he found deep joy in Bible Study Fellowship and lifelong friendships grounded in faith.

Beyond Baylor, Mike loved sports of all kinds. His collections of baseball cards and sports memorabilia told the story of a lifelong enthusiast. He was fortunate to attend incredible events, including The Masters, the World Series, a Super Bowl, an NBA All-Star Game, and the 1996 Olympics. In his younger years, Father’s Days were spent playing golf as a family, and Mike never hesitated to go head-to-head in a pickup basketball game with his sons and their friends. Later in life, he took up running and celebrated his 63rd birthday by completing his first half-marathon.

In 2006, Mike earned his favorite title: “G-Dad.” His eight grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he delighted in cheering them on in everything they pursued. Some of his favorite moments were the simplest ones: sitting around the fire pit, telling jokes and stories, laughing together, and just being present. He meticulously planned family vacations through countless emails and spreadsheets, creating lifelong memories in Colorado, Florida, Mexico, New York City, and Port Aransas – a place that held special meaning from his own childhood and later with his children and grandchildren.

Music was central to Mike’s life. Live music would stop him in his tracks, and he took pride in identifying artists and songs after just a few notes. He loved competing in “Name That Tune” challenges and passing his love of music – especially artists like James Taylor, Van Morrison, The Beatles, and Willie Nelson – onto his children and grandchildren. Growing up, Dad would kick off our birthdays by dancing and singing to The Beatles Birthday Song, and he was so proud of his youngest granddaughter, at the age of three, singing herself to sleep: “We all live in a yellow submarine.”

Mike was a stranger to none. If you met him, he was a friend. He knew how to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. In recent months, that was evident through the notes, messages, prayers, and visits he received from friends whose lives he had deeply impacted. Mike was intentional in his friendships – checking in, praying, encouraging, and showing up. He could always lighten the mood and was well known for dad jokes, pranks, card tricks, and the infamous broom game. Wherever he was, laughter would fill the room.

Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Despite facing many challenges with that, Dad found joy in each day. He encouraged others by sharing his journey honestly and hope-filled, ministering not only to friends and family, but also to doctors, nurses, and other patients. His faith in a sovereign God sustained him. Growing up, Dad always stressed the importance of “finishing strong” in all things. As Dad’s #1 priority in life was to know Jesus and to make Him known, it was such an encouragement to see that his Bible and Bible study notes were always by his side – even until the very end. Though we all wanted more time together, we rejoice in knowing he has arrived in the presence of Jesus, who welcomed him home saying: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” He certainly did finish strong.

Mike’s life was full – full of faith, friendships, service, laughter, and love. Our dad instilled in us a passion for giving, the importance of family, and the courage to finish strong. We are so grateful he was ours.

Memorials may be made to Mentoring Alliance Waco, 1227 N. Valley Mills Dr. #235, Waco, TX 76710, or the Mike and Sherrie Holman Endowed Scholarship for Experiential Learning, Attn: Jon Sisk, Baylor University Advancement, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, TX 76798-7050.