First African-American commander of N.C. Highway Patrol laid to rest
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A funeral was held Wednesday to celebrate the life of North Carolina's first African-American commander of the Highway Patrol.
Retired commander Richard Holden, Sr. passed away last Thursday at the age of 67. According to family and friends, it was cancer that ultimately claimed his life.
The funeral Wednesday was held at the First Baptist Church in downtown Raleigh where Holden was a member.
Although the service was private and media were not allowed inside, those who attended later told ABC11 that the service honored the legacy the retired colonel left behind.
"It was very inspirational, very moving, his niece, his brother, so many people from the Highway Patrol spoke so well and so highly of him. He will truly be missed," said Jackie Reid, who attended the funeral.
Col. Holden was the first African-American to become commander of the N.C. State Highway Patrol from 1999 till he retired in 2004. He was also one of the first six African-Americans to join North Carolina's Highway Patrol in 1969.
State troopers and officers from across the state were at his funeral Wednesday to pay their respects, and Holden's casket was even escorted out of the church by a solemn procession of fellow troopers.
He does leave behind his wife, two children and eight siblings.
