Dessie Petway- Secretary
My name is Dessie B. Avery Petway. My educational journey commenced at Holman School, where I spent my formative years from first grade until my graduation in 1969. Venturing into higher education, I embarked on a transformative experience at Arkansas A&M in Monticello, which later transitioned to the University of Arkansas at Monticello. This shift marked a significant departure from my high school environment, as I found myself in a minority setting for the first time. It was also a time of liberation, as I embraced the newfound freedom of young ladies wearing pants. Graduating from UAM, I carried with me not just a degree, but a wealth of experiences that would shape my path forward.
Six months post-graduation, I embarked on a new chapter in Los Angeles, where I embarked on my teaching career as a middle school English educator. Though my journey would later diverge, I spent seven enriching years away from the classroom, serving as the Literacy Coach at Thomas Starr King Middle School. The transition back to teaching was a welcomed return to my passion, spending three fulfilling years before bidding farewell to formal education in 2012.
Reflecting on my trajectory, I find that my time at Holman School laid the groundwork for my academic pursuits, while the University of Arkansas provided the tools and insights essential for navigating life’s complexities.
Quincy Hobbs– Chaplin
I am Quincy C. Hobbs, Jr., a 1965 graduate (Salutatorian) of Holman High School in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Following graduation, I matriculated at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri, and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1969 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. In January 1970, I entered active duty and concluded my military career on February 1, 2000, after “30 years” of service, at the rank of Colonel. In 1979, I received my Master of Science Degree in Contracts and Acquisition Management from Florida Institute and Technology. Besides God, Holman and Lincoln equipped me for the world that I would enter, navigate through the many challenges and opportunities, and become successful. Following my retirement from the United States Army, I began a second career with L3 Communications/ILEX Systems, Inc./Navy & Aviation Systems Division (NASD) in Mays Landing, New Jersey, as a Program Manager and Director of Business Development. After nearly eight years with L-3 Communications, I left the corporate sector on February 1, 2008. After my corporate experience, I worked as an Independent Professional Consultant specializing in the areas of Contract Support, Business Development, and Program Management and began to work full-time in ministry. In 2003, I was licensed as a minister to preach the gospel, and in 2006 ordained as the Assistant Pastor of Grace Temple.
Calvin Piggie
Calvin Piggie, Born to Lena and Willie Piggie in November in 1953 and were raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas . Calvin is a member of the Last Sophome Class of Holman High School (1970), and graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1972. Calvin attented North Eastern A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma for a year, then moved on to earn an Associate in Electronics Technology from United Electronics Institude which later became Arkansas College of Technology. Calvin began his Professional career working 24 years at Texas Instruments Inc, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University, in Plainview Texas. The second part of Calvin’s career was with Perot Systems, which transitioned to Dell Services, transitioning to NTT Data of North America, and worked there for 21 years in Data Protection team on the Department of Education and Federal Student Loan accounts for 21 years. Calvin retired, in November 2023, at (UTSW), University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, working a year on their Asset Equipment Management Team. Calvin now spends his time at home and have started his own business, C&P Printing, working from home.
Ella Thomas
I am Ella B. Thomas, a 1965 graduate of Holman High School in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Following graduation, I attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After a year at the University, I relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. I worked for the postal system for 22 years as a Letter Carrier. Following an injury, I finished my career with the Postal Service working in the Personnel Department in a variety of duties.
I am currently retired and spending time doing ministry work in my church and traveling whenever possible. My bucket list is to travel to more States and Countries. When I am not doing church ministry or traveling, I enjoy reading and watching tennis. I am married to Artis Thomas, and we celebrated our 49th Anniversary this year. We are proud parents of three adult children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Betty Blood
Betty Blood was born Stuttgart, Arkansas and obtained her education in the Stuttgart Independence School District. Betty attended Elementary School in the Rock Island addition of Stuttgart and she is a member of the Last Sophomore of Holman High School, Class of 1970. After transferring to Stuttgart High School, she graduated in 1972. Betty was employed at Bancorp south Bank in the Depository Credit Service industry, where her day-to-day tasks included but not limited to assisting customers with financial transactions. After servicing the community in banking for 32 years, Betty decided to retire in 2017. After retirement, Betty now spends her time with her Husband of 42 years, Darrell Blood, they have 1 Daughter, two sons, five grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren. Betty have been enjoying her retirement by working setting flowers in which she has developed a green thumb. Betty have been a faithful supporter for the Holman Community Development Center Inc throughout the years and presently services as Treasury for the HCDC.
Don Gamble
I am Don E. Gamble the 10 child of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Gamble of Stuttgart, Arkansas. Graduate of Stuttgart high school in 1972 and proceeded to Hutchinson, Kansas, where I begin my adult life. Five years as a machinist and then enter the United States Army. While serving in the United States military, I acquired and achieve many different awards and promotions. Service included , Drill Sergeant Instructor, commercial driving instructor, physical fitness trainer, and winter Survivor course instructor. After my military service career, I pursue my associate and bachelors degree and achieved them in 2009 and 2011. I continue with my Truck Driver profession and have over 45 years of drivers experience.
Belinda Avery- Assistant Treasurer
Belinda S. Avery, Asst. Treasurer:
I begin my education at Holman School in the seventh grade. In 1970, I transition to Stuttgart
High School where I graduated in 1972. My heart has always been with Holman. Later the
building was purchase by the Holman alumni. It became a daycare, and I volunteered. I worked
with the Holman Alumni Grand Reunion for more than fifteen years until 2023. I held the
position of Asst. Treasurer. I enjoy supporting Holman Community Development Corporation,
Inc. when and wherever I can. During the years I have been one to share the news of Holman’s
activities especially during the Grand Reunion. Some alumni thought the cookout was held
outside in July. I had to tell them that it was inside in the gymnasium where the air condition
would be on full blast for their comfort. My family supports me financially and physically.
I would like to share one more very important piece of information about my first year at
Holman. I saw three of my male classmates walking down the hall. One of those males caught
my eyes. We have been married almost fifty years. Holman has been good to me and my family.
Now it’s time for me to return the favor to Holman.
Holman Community Development Corporation Inc 