William Holt Jr.

William Holt Jr. of Marietta, Ga., was called home to be with our Lord on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Bill, as he was fondly known by his friends and family, was born on Feb. 1, 1944 to the late William and late Geraldine P. Holt, in Little Rock. Bill committed his life to Christ at an early age at Union A.M.E. He attended Horace Mann Senior High and graduated in 1962, near the top of his class. He graduated from Arkansas AM & N (UAPB) and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill entered the workforce following college and was drafted into the US Army. He was commissioned as a lieutenant and proudly served his Country with distinction in Vietnam. Bill earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat, and was later Honorably Discharged. Bill married his High School Sweetheart, Cynthia Smith in 1967. Bill and Cynthia graduated from UAPB. After his Military service, Bill returned to the workforce where he enjoyed 25 years at IBM. He was the Regional Logistics Manager covering 13 states in the Southeast area. He retired from the corporate world and became a business owner/restauranteur, co-founding Holt Brothers Barbecue in Norcross, Ga. Bill was a man of many talents and an avid reader. His pursuits carried him into the service of others in his community. A lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Bill became a champion of many wonderful causes, some of his passions were Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and Boy Scouts of America. Bill also remained a humble servant of Christ, working as a Member, a Class Leader, and a member of the Male Usher Board at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Ga. Bill, the proud anchor of the Holt Clan, came to mean so much to so many people. He was a faithful husband, loving father, brother, teacher, leader, mentor and friend. Bill is survived by his devoted wife Cynthia Smith Holt, One son William Holt, III both of Marietta, Ga., two brothers, Richard P Holt and James P. Holt of ,Tucker, Ga., and two sisters, Penny Holt (Ken) Lockett of Sugar Hill, Ga., and Geraldine Holt Baker of Little Rock. Two granddaughters Ashley Holt (Juan) Larrea of Alpharetta, Ga., and Cleo S. Holt of Marietta, Ga., two great-grandchildren Jayden and Ava Larrea of Alpharetta. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services were held Dec. 20, 2016 at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, in Atlanta, Ga., with Rev John Foster, Ph.D. Officiating. Interment was at Georgia National Cemetery.