What began as a hobby more than 35 years ago turned into a passionate career; one that overwhelmed his garage studio. A distinguished member of the Texas Taxidermy Association and the National Taxidermist Association, Roy Holdridge is driven to improve his skill and artistry.
More than twenty five years ago, Roy located his first full-time studio, TrueLife Taxidermy, in the 377 Plaza Strip Mall in Granbury, Texas. Today TrueLife Taxidermy is located at 4303 E. Hwy 377 in a 10,000 square foot facility. Inside this museum like facility is an 1800 square foot trophy room where you can view Roy and his talented award winning staff’s work.
Roy and his studio routinely compete and take top honors in state and national level taxidermy competitions. His list of awards is extensive and spans the greater than 35 years he has been involved in taxidermy. Roy personally holds the coveted Paul Provenzano award in three category's, from the Texas Taxidermy Association and in 2013 was awarded the Masters Provenzano award. He also has the Award of Excellence from the National Taxidermy Association. His studio has won Best studio in the State nine times, most recently in 2016. Additionally in 2011, Roy took the Life-tone Award for the highest scoring fish skin mount or reproduction in the competition, Best of Category Judge's Choice, and the Wasco Award for Most Artistic Entry. Previously in 2010 Roy took Best of Category, Judges Choice Best of Show, People's Choice Best of Show, and the Al & Evelyn Holmes award for best habitat. In 2009, Roy won the Ivan Harvey Memorial award for having the best small mammal at the national competition.
To help advance the goal of continued improvement of the image of taxidermy and the sportsmanship of hunting, Roy is active and serves on the boards of the Texas Taxidermy Association, currently as Vice President and the North Texas Chapter Safari Club International. This year he served as the Competition Chairman for the annual convention and competition.