Robert "Bob" Joseph Holick

December 2, 1932 - November 19, 2020

On December 2, 1932, Robert J. “Bob” Holick was born in the Heidenheimer community of Bell County. He was the second of five children born to Mary and Joe Holick. His siblings were Johnnie Holick, Jodie Holick, Georgia Forney, and Mary Pemberton. He was confirmed into the Czech-Moravian Brethern Church in Seaton, Texas on July 7, 1946. His confirmation verse was Philippians 4:19. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. On August 8, 1967 Bob and his wife Delores “Dee” Collins Holick were received as Communicant Members of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings. Bob and Dee lived in Giddings for 56 years. They met in Corsicana, Texas in the fall of 1962, and were married on July 20, 1963. Bob served as an alderman on the Giddings City Council, was a Rotarian, served on the Martin Luther church council, helped build Cummins Creek Golf Course, and served on the community education board. He worked with Lee County Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, taught an online Czech class, served as vice-president of the Houston Area of Teachers of Foreign Languages, and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Honorably serving in the United States Army was of importance to Bob. After basic training he was sent to Army Language Training School for advanced training in the Czech language which was Bob’s native language. He was then sent to the National Security Agency where he served as a linguist. Bob was required to have a security clearance to work at the NSA. He was discharged in March of 1959. Athletics came naturally to Bob. At Academy High School he lettered in all sports. He attended Blinn College and Baylor University on an athletic scholarship. At Blinn, Bob played football and baseball. Bob was recognized by the Houston Chronical as a barefoot kicker. He was a two-year letterman as a pitcher for Baylor. He was a lifetime member of the Baylor “B” Association. The Athletic Council on Varsity Sports awarded Bob the varsity “B” in baseball for 1953-1954. After Baylor he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. Bob could be described as an avid golfer. He started playing golf in his late 20s. Every day of Bob’s life involved golf in some way. He might read an article, study aspects of a pro’s game, watch a match on TV, swing a club in the yard, go to the range, or play a match. It was his philosophy that no matter the golfer’s age or skill, he must continually strive to hone that skill. He was adamant that in all situations USGA Rules of Golf should always be followed. Over the years, Bob won many prizes, trophies, and plaques for tournament play. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Baylor University and his Master’s in Education from East Texas State University. He studied at Texas A&M University, University of Denver, and Charles University in Prague, Czechoslovakia to attain a Doctor of Philosophy in the Russian and Czech languages and in Curriculum and Instruction. He received a National Science Foundation Scholarship in biology from Texas Christian University. Most of Bob’s professional career was spent in the education field. He worked in independent school districts of Corsicana, Sherman, Chilton, and Giddings. Bob worked as a classroom teacher, coach, athletic director, administrator, curriculum director, and business manager. He had ten TEA certifications and endorsements. He authored grant proposals and obtained funds for implementation of programs in special education and community education. He taught intermediate Russian at Texas A&M University, and all level Czech at Temple College. Bob always tried to perpetuate the Czech language. He developed online practice lessons and activities in order to encourage persons who were interested in acquainting or reacquainting themselves with the Czech language. Following this format those who had a background in Czech as children could renew their skills. Bob frequently met with groups of Czech or Russian speaking individuals to speak the language in order to maintain his skill and knowledge. Bob had an aptitude for languages. Upon retirement from education he became a securities analyst with a series 8 (now 9/10) financial security license. For over a decade he worked with educators in Austin and surrounding areas selling securities, analyzing individual finances, developing retirement plans etc. Bob and Dee loved their collie dogs Skipper, Sobaka, Scorpie, Corie, Sprite, and Lucky. Bob could be described as a person who was always respectful, non-judgmental, and understanding. He was a stoic person, never authoritative, overbearing, or condescending. Bob was always a welcome presence who never interfered with those in charge. Bob was described by a nephew as being really neat. Bob was described by Dee as being as perfect as a mortal could be. She thought of him as being invincible. He will make a beautiful flower for the Master’s bouquet. Since September 15th a compassionate knowledgeable staff at Oakland Manor Nursing and Rehab Center has offered comfort for Bob and support for Dee. A debt of gratitude is owed to St. Marks Medical Center in La Grange. In spite of the Corona Pandemic, a family member was allowed to be present in the room during Bob’s hospitalization. Robert J. “Bob” Holick died at St. Marks Medical Center on Thursday, November 19, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Johnnie Holick and Jodie holick and one sister, Mary Pemberton. Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Delores “Dee” Holick of Giddings; his sister, Georgia Forney of Belton as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Rev. John Waak officiating. Burial will follow in the Giddings City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The Holick family will be present for visitation Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings, the Giddings Public Library or to the charity of one’s choice.