Charles Robert Holden of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on August 22, 1943, the son of Mildred (Ivy) and Fred Michael Holden.
Charles, a lifelong resident of Jackson County, graduated from Newport High School in 1961. He then attended Hendrix College before transferring to Arkansas State University, where he earned a business degree in 1966.
On December 21, 1968, Charles Robert Holden married Gloria Gray, and together they enjoyed 56 years.
Charles demonstrated an incredible work ethic, starting with his job at Yellowstone National Park during his summer breaks in college. In 1966, he became a Chrysler-Plymouth dealer, a position he held for nine years. After selling the dealership, Charles worked at Revere Copper and Brass for several years before transitioning to a career as a real estate broker, earning the designation of GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute). He later became a Real Estate Appraiser and opened his own business, Holden Appraisal Service. He earned the designations of IFA (Independent Fee Appraiser) and CGA (Certified General Appraiser). Charles followed this career path until his retirement in 2024 and became well-known professionally in Jackson, Woodruff, and Independence Counties.
He was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling. Charles and Gloria enjoyed taking several groups of students to Europe and then went on to travel the world.
Charles also amassed several collections, including electric fans, coins, antique cameras, and books. Charles also had a love for sailing.
He was a teller of tales and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Charles was a Paul Harris Fellow with the Newport Rotary Club and was active in the Newport Investors Club.
He was a lifelong member of the Newport First United Methodist Church.
Charles was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Fred Holden, and his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria (Gray) Holden; two sons, Robert Gray Holden (Melissa), of Fenton, Missouri, and Chris Holden of Jonesboro; three grandchildren, John Holden of Lawrence, KS, Christopher Holden and Cora Holden of Fenton, Missouri; one sister, Carmen Holden McHaney (Jim), of Little Rock; two nephews, Michael McHaney of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Holden McHaney (Dr. Katie Drago) of Portland, Oregon; and a lifetime of friends.
A visitation will be held at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home on Sunday, August 3, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the funeral home chapel at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Kelly Giese officiating.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Penn Stafford, John Conner, Jr., Scott Mears, Holden McHaney, Marvin Hare, Edward Boyce, Dee Mears, Ryan Jarrell, and Travis Mears. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Allen, Rob Penix, Kenneth Grady, Jim McHaney, Rick Canard, Newport Investment Club Members, and Newport Rotary Club Members.
Memorials may be made to Jonesboro Human Development Center in honor of Chris Holden, 4701 Colony Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72404
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
