Ray Harlin Holaday

Ray Harlin Holaday, age 85 from Meridian Id, passed away peacefully at home after a short period of
hospice care on the morning of September 6, 2022.
Ray was born on June 27, 1937 south of Nampa on his family’s homestead. As a young child his family
moved to Kuna where he attended school and graduated from Kuna high school in 1955. He was an
outstanding member of the Kuna FFA and played high school football. He was also a very proud servant
of the Volunteer Kuna Fire Department.
Ray married Shirley Douthit in 1956 and their only son, Cary, was born the following year. Years later
Ray met the love of his life, Carol DeMarco and they married September 29, 1979. With this union Ray
took on 3 daughters; Toni, Tracy and Trini DeMarco and he raised them as his own.
Ray was the last surviving member of the Meridian Athletic Association, which was a strong supporter of
Meridian Youth sports. He and the other members were most notable for operating the Meridian
Speedway in the 1970’s and 1980’s. They can be considered the original “Food Truck” pioneers.
Operating under Treasure Valley Concessions, he would haul his concession stands to farm auctions,
sporting events and race tracks all over the valley. You’ve probably eaten one of Grampie’s burgers and
it was probably served by one of the kids!
Ray was proud of the work he did for 30 years with Cenex Co-op as the fertilizer manager. He started at
the Co-op in Kuna, but spent most of his career at the Meridian Co-op. He gained the respect of farmers
and ranchers all over the valley and surrounding counties for his service and dedication.
After he left Cenex Co-op Oil, Ray went to work for Earth Energy specializing in underground directional
drilling and laying cable. With Earth Energy, he traveled throughout the Northwest. He loved to share
his travel adventures with us.
In his spare time, Ray and Carol loved camping in Council Idaho with their best friends Bruce and Bonnie
Kuhl. Between the 4 of them they took countless children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
camping. This is where all the kids learned about back roads, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, cutting wood,
and survival in the woods.
When your name is Holaday, of course you just know how to entertain. Ray was best known for his
annual Easter breakfast. Family, friends, neighbors and some he didn’t even know showed up. Grampie
had us take a headcount year after year and it never disappointed!
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Bertha Holaday, 2 sisters Wanda Lee Hall, Delores
Watkins and brother Roy Holaday. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Carol Holaday, son Cary
Holaday (Gail); 3 daughters Toni Sparks, Tracy DeMarco, and Trini DeMarco; 8 grandchildren, Brandy,
Krystal, Kala, Kori, Kyle, Natalie, Nichole and Nina and 2 great grandchildren. Harlin and Posey
Funeral services will be held Monday September 12 th at 2 pm at Cloverdale Funeral Home, 1200 N
Cloverdale Rd, Boise with Rev Karen Hernandez officiating. Following service, a celebration of Ray’s life
will be held at Cary’s house, 2034 Grassy Branch in Meridian.

The family would like to express our deepest thanks for the wonderful care he received by his Hospice
nurses of St Lukes, his medical team at St Luke's Meridian and downtown, Dr. Dan Zuckerman, and
especially Dr. Brian Brimhall and nurse Debbie for the care and professionalism received that gave us one
more amazing year. Flowers and condolences should be sent to Cloverdale Funeral Home.

Whether you knew him as Grampie, Baby Ray, Peaches, or just Holaday, he was a presence that will be
dearly missed by so many. One thing can be said about him: “he was the first to extend a helping hand
and the last to ask for it.” To all of his lifelong friends, and there are so many to mention, thank you so
much for all the great memories! May you rest well Grampie and thank you for everything. We love
you.