Lewisburg-Lt. Col (Ret.) Rudy Hale Holbrook passed away Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at Springfield Nursing Home in Lindside.
Rudy was born Jan. 31, 1938, at Renick to the late Gilbert and Eula Kellison Holbrook.
After many years of battling Parkinson’s Disease, Rudy left this life in peace. Rudy will be met at the gates by his wife, Linda Holbrook, his brother, Tom Holbrook, his parents, Gib and Eula Holbrook, and his son-in-law, Bob Zappatelli.
His courage and zest for life will live on in the hearts of his three “boys,” Kelli Holbrook Nichols, her husband Dave Nichols, Karen Rosenstrom, her husband Kris Rosenstrom and his treasured grandchildren, Riley and Kenzie Rosenstrom and Katla Zappatelli. He will be greatly missed.
A graduate of West Virginia State College, he soon found his calling and proudly served our country and communities for over 50 years. During his service in the US Army and two tours of Vietnam, Rudy was awarded the Bronze Star Medal three times, the Air Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and many others.
Rudy took his wife Lynn and their troop of “boys” on many adventures over the years, camping most anywhere you could pitch a tent and dig a hole – from the Greenbrier River to the Mediterranean Sea, crossing Europe in a Volkswagen van; eventually landing in Greenbrier Valley with his extensive family. With his ever-present orange suspenders and sharp wit he continued his service to the community. He was a member of the Lions Club and served the Lions as District Governor, set up the 911 system for Greenbrier County and served as the Director of Emergency Services.
As a member of Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, you could always find him singing in the choir. He was also a member of the Men of Greenbrier Barbershop choir. We know that he is now probably fighting his brother Tom over which songs to sing next in Heaven’s choir.
His funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg, with Rev. Stephen Baldwin officiating. Interment with full Military Rites by the US Army will follow at the Woodland Cemetery at Auto.
The family will receive family and friends Saturday, Dec. 2, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
