Earnest Lee Holbrook

Earnest “Earnie” Lee Holbrook, of Rockport, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 17th, in Hot Springs, AR, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., on July 20, 1965, and raised on a farm in Cove, Arkansas. Earnie learned the value of hard work at a young age. He and his sisters were responsible for raising chickens for Tyson Foods, each caring for a chicken house that held between 12,500 and 15,000 birds. The farm was also home to a beloved deer named Rusty, one of many animals Earnie formed a special bond with throughout his life. He loved driving the farm tractor and mowing hay with his dad. 

Earnie was a natural-born prankster whose humor and quick wit brought joy to everyone around him. To know him was to love him. He was affectionately known as the “dog whisperer” and the “kid whisperer” because of his remarkable ability to connect with both animals and children. His gentle spirit and easygoing nature made him a steady presence in the lives of many.

A passionate racing enthusiast, with support from family & friends, Earnie built his own stock car and founded Marvin Maddness Racing. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan and followed the NASCAR Cup Series with unwavering loyalty.

Earnie began his construction career in Mena, Arkansas, working alongside his father. He later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he worked for Strong Construction Company, before settling in Rockport, Texas. There, he served as a construction crew manager for Island Construction for 23 years, earning the respect of coworkers and clients alike through his leadership, skill, and dedication. Earnie was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Lee Holbrook and Aunt Linda Holbrook.

He is survived by his son, Ian Holbrook, and Ian’s girlfriend, Stacie Forbes; his stepdaughter and son‑in‑law, Amanda and Taylor Hohmann; his stepson and daughter‑in‑law, Brandyn and Cassondra Gortemiller; his mother, Betty Crofter; his older brother, Alex Holbrook; his sisters, Tammy (husband Kelly Nicholas), and Pam (husband Timmy Tabor); nieces Krystal Titsworth and Darby Nicholas; nephew Alex Holbrook, Jr.; Uncles Bud Holbrook; Uncle Stoney Holbrook (wife Colinda); Aunt Patty Wooldridge; and many cousins. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Kaydince Holbrook, Jacin Boyd, Ava Byers, Jaxen Forbes, Mason Gortemiller, Avori Gortemiller, Lyela Hohmann, and Cayden Hohmann.

Earnie will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his deep love for family, and the way he made people feel welcomed and appreciated. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

The family offers their deepest gratitude to Brookfield Assisted Living and Memory Care, National Park Medical Center, and Gentiva Hospice for the kindness, comfort, and attentive care they showed Earnie.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com