William G. 'Billy' Holland

William G. 'Billy' Holland

March 7, 1926 - March 15, 2013

BEAVER CITY, Nebraska-- William G. "Billy" Holland, 87, died Friday (March 15, 2013), at Haven Home in Kenesaw, Nebraska.

He was born in a rock house that still stands south of Beaver City, Nebraska, on March 7, 1926, to Daniel P. and Hazel B. (Saylors) Holland.

He grew up in the Beaver City area and joined the US Army, Calvary Division. He completed basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas, and was then sent to Burma/China for the remainder of World War II. While serving overseas, he suffered a serious bout of malaria.

In the early 1950s, he moved to Wauneta, Nebraska, and began a salvage business. He sold that business in the mid 1960s to pursue his life long love of horses. He became a thoroughbred owner and trainer for the rest of his career. He retired from racing in 1989. He married Betty Jean Pruett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Eugene; a son-in-law, Gene Butterfield; one granddaughter; and two former wives, Erma Delmont and Maxine Herbert.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Holland of Kenesaw, Nebraska; daughters: Donita (Doni) Peterson and husband, Dave of Lincoln, Nebraska, Connie Betts and husband, Gerald of Eugene, Oregon, Delia Butterfield of Lincoln; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be Friday, March 22, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Beaver City, Nebraska with the Rev. Keith Theobald officiating. Military rites will be presented by the American Legion Post from Beaver City.

Condolences and personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements.