 Thanks to all those who have passed on their condolences and encouragements through prayer, a hug, or a kind word.  After the service the family traveled to New Tazewell.   Dad was laid to rest in a small hilltop cemetery surrounded by the rolling hills and valleys unique to East Tennessee.  Looking into the distance you see churches, farms and barns, stretching seemingly for miles, pretty much the same as it looked fifty years ago.  Some may not find the views particularly magnificent, but to me they are beautiful in the same way as  dad's spirit - peaceful, humble and true.  Throughout my life dad always referred to this place as home. 
  All of mom and dad's brothers and sisters have passed. So it meant a lot that so many of mom and dad's nieces and nephews, cousins to Nancy and I,  gathered there for the ceremony.  Taps were played.  Two soldiers in formal military dress lifted the flag from the coffin, stepped toward each other as they precisely made each fold of the flag.  Then the man of lower rank perfected the triangle and passed to the officer of higher rank.  He stepped directly in front of my mom, pivoted, leaned toward her and softly spoke, On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation this flag is presented as a token of appreciation for your loved one's service. 
  It was an emotionally powerful moment for me.  How fitting this was for my dad.  For my dad was indeed a good and faithful servant to his Family, Country and God. 
  We all loved him so much.  I'm sure everyone handles the loss of a loved one differently, and I understand that people sometimes are uncertain on what to say or not say.  As for me, just so you know, I love to talk about my dad. I love to hear stories about him, whether it be a golf or fishing tale, something funny or just something that touched you.  If you have some let us know.  He was a remarkable man of many gifts and virtues.  I remain forever grateful he was my dad.

My dad was a wonderful christian man that loved his family, friends and his church family.  He truly loved life.  He was an example to all of how we want to be remembered.  He made a mark on so many people within our family as well as outside the Holt family.  He will be remembered by many and thought of a lot as we hold him in our hearts forever.  He is my guardian angel and will guide me throughout the rest of my life and until we meet again!  I love him so much and will miss him immensely but hold on to the many memories we shared throughout my life.  He was my rock and will be my rock forever!!  Our family and friends have been so compassionate during this time and a reminder of how important family and friends are to us all.  We take comfort in knowing that our family and friends stick together through all times and are always there for each other when needed.  I send Love to all family and friends and thank you so much for helping me and my family celebrate the life of James Leon Holt, Sr.  He was a wonderful man!! He was a wonderful father!  He was a wonderful Granddaddy and Great Granddaddy!  He was a wonderful husband, brother, son and friend!!  Love to you Dad!

Aunt Mary Ann ,Nancy an Jimmy so sorry for the loss of Uncle Leon.. my prayers an thoughts are with you  ... much love  Karen Holt Glover (Kingsport,Tn)

My wife and I  have lived  In The Oaks  At  Appling 
 for these past ten years  and never met such a  wonderful  human  the likes of Leon Holt .

Mary , you had this man for 62  years and we know he will be sorely missed  by you and the entire Holt family .

 Mary , we offer  our heart felt   condolences  on your loss.

                    Frank & Patricia Andello

Mary and family,

We are so sorry for your loss.  We really enjoyed visiting with you and Leon when we came to see Bob at Quail Ridge.  Leon always had a smile on his face and was so pleasant to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.  God Bless you.

Pat Hoppe and Barbara Kralle

Mary Ann, Jimmy, Nancy,
Leon is there in some of my most cherished childhood memories along with all of you.   He will be greatly missed.   I know he and dad are having a great time now.   We will see him again.
God bless you all.

Russell

Tim and Nancy, sorry for your loss.
Larry Taylor

I am so sorry for your loss. Leon was a wonderful talented man. I will always cherish my memories of Georgian Hills United Methodist Church and the friendships that I made there. God be with each of you.

I remember Leon from my DuPont days.   He was always the perfect gentleman.  My condolences to all the family.   Alice Friebel

I am so sorry I will not be able to attend Mr. Holt's services today but know that I am holding your family close in my heart and praying for support, strength and comfort at this time.  My mother, sister and I were so blessed to have the Holt family as part of our family at Georgian Hills UMC.  I will always remember Mr. Holt's wonderful smile.

While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father return your dear love one to you.

OBITUARY

James Leon Holt, Sr.

September 16, 1926 – January 27, 2018

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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