Steve/PawPaw was a devoted spouse, loving parent, and cherished grandparent.
Surrounded by his wife and two daughters, Steve passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 67 years old at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. He was born on October 31, 1957, to Bobby Joe and Mary Ellen McGoogan Houldridge in El Dorado, Arkansas. Delighted to have him as their grandson were grandparents Dewitt and Mildred McGoogan, Horace and Joel Jascitis, and Anthony Jascitis.
To say Steve had a heart of gold is an understatement. His heart was platinum. No matter the situation, Steve selflessly gave of his time to others. His daily posture was “go the extra mile for anyone in need.” Deeply committed to his family, Steve was the biggest cheerleader you could ever want. He loved everyone unconditionally and found immense joy in sharing the gospel with others. “MacGyver” couldn’t hold a torch to Steve Houldridge who was immensely resourceful, highly skilled, and endlessly creative. PawPaw was always involved in the lives of his granddaughters – never absent from any event. He was always front and center at any tennis match, basketball game, softball game, or dance recital.
Steve was a most valuable employee at every job he ever had. No matter where you were on the totem pole, he treated everyone the same, with love and care. He served and left a lasting impact at Albemarle in Magnolia, Arkansas for fourteen years, Amercable for eight years, and Great Lakes for twenty-five years. Whether fishing, hunting or just piddling around outside on the swing with Alice, Steve loved the great outdoors. The “oneness with nature” brought him deep joy and lasting peace as he admired God’s beautiful creations. He was a devoted member of West Side Baptist Church and held his church family closest to his heart. When God laid it on Steve’s heart to witness to someone, he was always obedient and never backed down from the opportunity to love on and empower others.
Above all, Steve was a devoted husband, father, PawPaw and friend. His family was the center of his world, and he poured his love, wisdom, and humor into every moment spent with them. As a husband, his life was marked by commitment and love, inspiring all who knew them. As a father, he was a steady presence, always offering guidance and unconditional love. As PawPaw, he created memories that will last forever - his laughter, stories, and tender care will be cherished by all who knew him. While he may no longer be present with us on this earth, his legacy of love, strength and kindness will continue to live on. He will be missed more than words can say but never forgotten.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 46 years, Alice Burgess Houldridge. Daughters Heather Gilmore (Shaun) and Haley Bryant (Carter) of El Dorado, Arkansas. His most prized possessions, three granddaughters Delaney Ruth Gilmore, Anniston Reece Gilmore, and Collins, Olivia Gilmore, brothers Dwayne Houldridge and Jim Houldridge along with a host of loving family members and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Young’s Funeral Home. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday January 19, 2025, at West Side Baptist Church, 2400 West Hillsboro, El Dorado, with Rev. Cody Lain, Rev. David Voss, and Rev. Larry Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at Three Creeks Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, 145 Parker Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Online condolences for the Houldridge family can be made at youngsfuneralhome.com
