Robert “Red” Holt came into this world in Rigley, Tennessee on August 5, 1932. He left this world to live with God on June 17, 2019. His parents Matthew and Pearl Holt lived in farm country with their 6 children Robert, Jim, Andy, Margie, Geraldine and Paul all of whom have preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Melanie and son-in-law Carl Roberts, son Timothy and daughter-in-law Patty Holt, grand children Blake Roberts, Robbie Holt and Cason Holt.
The military performed World War II training maneuvers close to his home when he was a young child. He decided he would join the military one day. He enlisted in the Air Force at the young age of 19 and his adventures began. He was stationed in France in 1952 where he learned to speak French and traveled throughout Europe site seeing. He was then stationed in Marietta, Georgia where he met and married Barbara Partain on July 2, 1955. He was sent to Galena, Alaska shortly after their wedding and then back to Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee where their daughter Melanie was born. A short time later they were reassigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Florida where their son Timothy was born. When he left the service he moved the family to Marietta, Georgia and was employed as a civilian cryptologist for the Army. He retired from the government and started his own family printing business that he worked until he decided to retire and fish. His grandchildren fueled his love of fishing as he taught each one of them to fish. Fortunately he had a lake within walking distance of his house and they spent many quality hours there.
He was an avid “Country Music” lover. Growing up close to Nashville he listened to all the great performers on the Grand Ole Opry. He especially liked Hank Williams and Marty Robbins. He never missed an episode of Hee-Haw and he loved “Pickin and Grinnin” and all the corny jokes which he happily shared numerous times over. He was fortunate to meet Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at a fund raising event in Las Vegas and spent time with Garth’s dad talking about fishing.
He enjoyed traveling across the United States especially to Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Colorado. He shared the first trip to the beach with each grandchild Blake, Robbie and Cason where he captured all their adventures on film. He also introduced each child to guitars, fiddles and Country Music.
He learned to smoke ribs and shared his special secret cherry sauce with everybody. The Dallas Acworth Highway Kroger will miss him as he visited them daily for his cooking supplies and specials on the clearance rack. He knew every employee by name and they all loved him.
He had a wonderful sense of humor. He never met a stranger and would help anyone that needed him.
He attended Macland Road Church of Christ and had a strong relationship with God. He shared the gospel every chance he got.
The memorial service to honor “Red” is scheduled for 11:00 am on June 29th at the Macland Road Church of Christ, 2732 Macland Road, Marietta, Georgia 30064, phone number 770-427-3626.
