William L. Holder III

William L. Holder III, age 41, also known as Will or Bill to friends and family, was born in El Paso, TX, on March 18, 1985, to William (Bill) and Carmen Holder and was tragically taken from us on July 13, 2026.

In his younger years, Will traveled and lived in Germany, Seattle, Virginia, North Carolina and eventually settled in New Mexico where he graduated from Rio Rancho High School and met some great life-long friends that he still spent time with frequently. Will then joined the New Mexico National Guard, following in his dad and uncle's footsteps, where he reached the rank of Specialist E4. During his military career, Will completed two deployments to include Operation Clear Skies in Washington, DC following 9/11, and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During this time, he served as a full time military civil servant in Santa Fe, NM. He was currently employed as a warehouseman and a truck driver at Rinchem where he hauled hazardous material.

Will was a compassionate young man who loved animals, motorcycles, trucks and guns. He spent his last day enjoying many of his favorite activities including shooting his guns with his best friends and appreciating a late-night motorcycle ride.

William is survived by his son, William L. Holder IV; his parents, Bill and Carmen Holder; sisters, Brandy Holder and Melissa (Missy) Ortega; and godmother, Alicia Duran; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Prayer services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at FRENCH - University Chapel, starting at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 2:45 p.m.