Dr. Byron B. Holt "Spike"

Born a Texan in July of 1938, Dr. Holt (nicknamed “Spike” since early childhood), grew up the son of a Baptist minister and recently celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary with his high school sweetheart, Sherley Riley Holt.

Spike enlisted in the United States Army Reserve prior to graduating from Baylor University. He worked his way through medical school, graduating in 1965 from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and has been an active Houstonian ever since.

In 1979, Dr. Holt founded Women’s Healthcare Center of Houston, and practiced OB/GYN for 46 years, delivering countless babies and treating multiple generations of families. A Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and many other medical organizations, Dr. Holt pioneered the concept of bringing fathers into the delivery room and designed the first birthing room concept in Houston.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Holt was very involved in missionary work, conducting medical missions in Guatemala, and his most recent “gospel music” mission in the Bahamas, combining his love of music, people, sailing, and the Heavenly Father. Dr. Holt attended Second Baptist Church in Houston.

Spike (known as “Goc Goc” to younger generations), loved to travel and enjoyed family getaways to Rockport, sharing his love of nature, sailing, and fishing with his children, grandchildren, and many friends and relatives.

Dr. Holt’s patients and coworkers knew him to be a compassionate, generous, and understanding man and physician, with great regard for the wellbeing and health of all of his patients.

Spike will be missed dearly by his wife, Sherley Holt, his brother Dale Holt and his wife, Roxanne Holt and his children: Gala and John W. Croft, Jr., Mendie and Matthew Elliott, Jessica and Todd Holt, his grandchildren: John H. Croft, Cara Croft, Riley Elliott, Macala Elliott, and Jackson Holt and the many relatives and friends who shared his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, The Reverend and Mrs. H.B. Holt and his daughter Cheryl Holt.

Those who knew Spike well, will remember that “spoons” really are musical instruments, equivalent to his beloved steel drums. They know that while charity is very important, it always starts at home. They know that “work is love made visible”. They will remember his love of the idea of the place where the cross meets the anchor. They know that “life is a journey, not a destination”.

And so, now, Spike is sailing off toward bigger and better journeys.

A special thank you for the comfort, care and support of Dr. Holt and his family during his battle with Glioblastoma is extended to: Anthony Prince, Annette Abaseal, Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, Kathy Kane, Michael Strickler, Lisa Elliott, Barrett Phillips, Tara Gibson, Mike Graham, Seyth Robbie of American Faith Homecare, caretakers’ Taty and Ernistine Barnes of American Faith Homecare, Vosswood’s Rehabilitation Department and the second floor nurses, Memorial Herman Hospice and the countless visitors who provided love and support.

Services for Dr. Holt will be held at 3:00p.m on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Second Baptist Church Sanctuary located on Woodway and Voss. Reception to immediately follow at the Atrium and Parlor at Second Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Foundation for Hope Village. Donations can be made on-line at www.hope-village.com or mailed to:

15403 Hope Village Road

Friendswood, Texas 77546