This is the story of Billy Gene "Shakey" Holder who was born of humble means during the Great Depression, fighting his entire life to have one of the most successful and impactful lives a man could have. He fought his way out of poverty in Cartwright, Oklahoma, becoming an Irving, Texas, firefighter, working fifty-six years on a front-line engine in south Irving until retiring at the age of 77. His third day on the department he acquired the nickname, Shakey. He fought his way to the rank of Captain with undiagnosed dyslexia.
He was a certified swift water rescue team leader and passed our physical agility test his last year with the department in just over six minutes. At the age of 70 he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
The last six years of his career, he fought Stage 4 cancer, taking very few sick days. His doctor told him he could expect to live 5-7 years, but now 18 years later at the age of 89 he is still driving, working constantly around his house, and impacting many more lives. As you read this truly legendary man's career and life, you may find yourself asking, why would a man work that many years in the dangerous job as a firefighter?