Obituary for Donald Holley
Donald Holley passed away February 2nd, in Paris, France. He was born December 19, 1931, to Burgess Benton and Fannie Beauchamp Holley. He spent his early life in Olustee, Oklahoma, moving to farmland northwest of Mangum when he was eleven years old. He was the top of his class all through his time in the Mangum schools; he was an outstanding student with multiple accolades.
He was not only academically gifted, but he was well-rounded through a number of other activities. He was lead Actor in both the Junior and Senior Class Plays, and judge on the Poultry Team of the Future Farmers of America. He was an avid tennis player.
He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1953. He participated in R.O.T.C., so he entered the army as an Officer. He served in the Korean War for two years. When he was discharged from the army he attended Columbia University earning his Master's and Law Degrees.
He started his legal career at Cleary, Gottlieb Law Firm in New York. He spent several years in the firm’s Paris office then joined the Brussels office in 1967, where he spent the remainder of his career. His practice focused on a variety of International transactions and he was a widely recognized expert on the European Common Market.
Donald was deeply interested in music, dance, travel and the visual arts. He played a seminal role in the founding of the New York Dance Company, Rioult Dance NY. He was a towering figure in his law practice, as well as a gentle, elegant, and caring friend.
He is survived by his long-time partner, Jean Pierre Kremer and many family, friends, and colleagues.
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He was not only academically gifted, but he was well-rounded through a number of other activities. He was lead Actor in both the Junior and Senior Class Plays, and judge on the Poultry Team of the Future Farmers of America. He was an avid tennis player.
He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1953. He participated in R.O.T.C., so he entered the army as an Officer. He served in the Korean War for two years. When he was discharged from the army he attended Columbia University earning his Master's and Law Degrees.
He started his legal career at Cleary, Gottlieb Law Firm in New York. He spent several years in the firm’s Paris office then joined the Brussels office in 1967, where he spent the remainder of his career. His practice focused on a variety of International transactions and he was a widely recognized expert on the European Common Market.
Donald was deeply interested in music, dance, travel and the visual arts. He played a seminal role in the founding of the New York Dance Company, Rioult Dance NY. He was a towering figure in his law practice, as well as a gentle, elegant, and caring friend.
He is survived by his long-time partner, Jean Pierre Kremer and many family, friends, and colleagues.
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