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George Holton Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

George Montague Holton, III, 31 of Signal Mountain, passed away Monday, May 12, 2003. He attended Red Bank High School and Kennesaw State University. George was a classic car collector. He was a songwriter and lead guitarist for "The Woggles" Band in Atlanta. George is survived by his parents, Marilyn and George Holton, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Thomas F. Trotter; aunt, Larue and Hugh Harris, New Bern, N.C.; uncles, Tom and Brenda Stroud, Alberton, N.C., and Fred Holton, New Bern, N.C. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Goodrich officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Thursday and from 1:00 until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1-800-342-2383. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 14, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for George Holton

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the leftoverking

December 13, 2023

Montague, just saw the woggles out here in california so many years after you played with them here. thought of you and wishing you the best of all rock and roll riffs in the afterlife. we will be forever doing the montague!!!

Anna Maria Cushman

July 24, 2003

What more can I add to this wonderful collection of stories? I think it's been said time and time again that George was an amazing person who loved everything he did, and encouraged you to do the same. He had the charisma and drive that most can only dream of, and I know that some of that lives on in everyone that ever had the privlege to meet him. Such a talent... Such ambition... Such a sweetheart.



Thank you for the memories.

Mary Anne Huff

June 21, 2003

Many of you know my daughter or as I refer to her..my red-headed chile, Mary Huff of SCOTS. When Mary was called it was a double blow since another of her friends in the Penetrators had also died. As a lot of you know the Woggles have been close friends with Rick, David and Mary of Southern Culture for years. The Woggles had been with them on many shows. Unfortunately it brings close to you young people how life can be so very, very fragile. So remember him kindly and make every day count.

GoGo Momma aka Mary Anne Huff

Mary Neva Huff

Dave Dowling

June 1, 2003

I just found out about Monty's untimely passing. I want to thank George for all the great music and unforgettable nights he provided me and other Woggles fans. I am very saddened and shocked by George's death. Godspeed to the Holton family, freinds, and the band. Monty, you will be sorely missed.

Sherry Sanders

May 20, 2003

New York will miss "The Montegue's" wailing guitar.

Sherry

Sharon Maloy

May 19, 2003

Goodbye Montague! My band The Dishes and I had the good fortune to share a bill with the Woggles a few times. They were some of the most fun shows we played. The Dishes were all there at the Woggles show at Emo's during SXSW in 2001. We surrounded Montague as he charged through the crowd with the Professor on his shoulders, never missing a note. Amazing!



Chicago mourns his loss.

leendert maselink

May 19, 2003

amsterdam is with you

cheers for the music !

Annalisa Adams

May 17, 2003

I'm absolutely heartbroken. This is positively devastating news, and my heart aches for his family and bandmates. I met Montague about three years ago at a show in Savannah, GA at the Velvet Elvis. Over the past few years, I travelled to several shows with him, and can honestly say that in his company I was never, ever bored. He had the most amazing ability to make the mundane entertaining (I'm laughing now remembering the "horn game" in New York City traffic, and him whistling in mockery of an irritating songbird/cook in a Chapel Hill, NC eatery), and could place a humorous spin on any conceivable scenario. Watching Montague perform was always astounding; his was truly an amazing and unique talent. I will miss everything about him; there's a great big hole in my life now that's just his size. I don't think I'm likely to meet another soul with such tremendous heart.



It's unbelievable; he called me just a little over a week ago. Naturally, he made me smile. He always did, even when I swore he wouldn't.





Sleep peacefully, Big Guy, and know that I will miss you more than I ever dreamed possible. Love always, Annalisa

Beth Benjamin

May 17, 2003

I’ve known George since I was 13 and I’ll never forget watching in wonder while he cruised past our house on his electric blue moped, black flannel flapping in the wind, wearing the same Misfits t-shirt for weeks on end. My sister became one of his closest friends, which in turn introduced me to the wonders of George. I’ve been lucky to have kept close tabs on him and have seen him throughout the years when the Woggles made their way to NYC. We spoke a few weeks ago and were so looking forward to their next set of gigs up here scheduled for the end of this month. Those days sure are gonna feel hollow now.

A great force has been snatched away from us but I only feel blessed and honored to have known such a genuine person.

My love and sympathy goes out to the the Holton family. You had an incredibly warm and gifted son and brother.

George, it was a blast growing up with you…..thanks.

marty maynard

May 17, 2003

i was both shocked and saddened by george's passing....i will never forget the one and only time i saw the woggles at the tritone on south street in philly....it truly was one of the best nights out i had ever had......the memory will always be there....peace george!

Wim De Weerdt

May 16, 2003

It came as a shock to me to find out that George Hlton III is no longer with us... it's kinda unreal.



Take care, people!



Woggle fan #1 from Belgium...



Wim

carey thurman

May 16, 2003

I met George about 12 yrs. ago, when I was 16... it was weird really, cant remember where, we never could figure that part out! But he and Chris Cameron had given me and my three friends a ride home from a show(where or what show?) We hung out all night drinking dr.pepper and southern comfort! That in itself, what a memory! I knew of him through my friend Jenny, we all went to the same school, though I was younger... I lost touch with George and out of the blue our paths crossed again last fall. We have been friends ever since... I just spoke with him on last Thursday.... my heart aches with this loss. He touched so many lives with his talent and love for life.. I feel so blessed to have been given a second chance to have him in my life. My heart and love go out to his family and all those close to him!



Im gonna miss ya, Doll!!

Gregory Nicoll

May 16, 2003

This boy is "mule-lipped."



Montague always seemed to me to be some kind of indestructible force, a giant of rawk'n'roll in more ways than one. Whether it was his buzzing, snarling guitar sounds or his massive presence on stage or off (particularly off, when he roamed the crowd like a Japanese movie monster, playing guitar while a bandmate perched on his shoulders), he always made a powerful impression.



I'll miss the big lug more than I can say, or comfortably admit.



Very sadly,



-- =G=

Amy Blankey (Schlatter)

May 15, 2003

What sad news it was to hear of George's passing. About ten or so years ago we where all living a somewhat quiet life in little Etown when in blew George to liven things up! And did he ever! George provided a much needed source of entertainment and quickly became one of the gang. I will never forget all the fun times we had at George's houses and apartments where there were always many empty KFC buckets around. George took me for my first motorcycle ride and probably gave all of us our first hex and I can still see his contorted funny face he always made. George, you were a good person and friend. Rest in Peace.

Louie Bankston

May 15, 2003

It was always good to see Montague. A lot of times I would be so tired and just wanted to get home, but when I would pull up and see all of the WOGGLES crew, hangin' around I would just be like "Alright, we got a show to do and a keg to float". So many good times in Memphis, Oxford,Atlanta,Athens and those shows in Chapel Hill were the best. I can remember when he came back to the WOGGLES after some time off, I was so happy. We were hangin' at Sleaze Fest. He was talkin' about this monster size Bar-b-que pit he got and coul'nt wait to get back to it. that was a funny conversation that i'm never gonna forget. All my prayers today are for his family and friends.

Robin Gillett

May 15, 2003

Very sad to hear of Montague's passing. A great guitarist and performer - I feel privileged to have seen The Woggles on my visits to the USA and always returned home to the UK with his infectious guitar licks buzzing round my head. He'll be missed but not forgotten.

Brian Marshall

May 15, 2003

I just heard the sad news this morning and I want to offer my condolences (sic) to both The Woggles and Montague's family. My hat is off to you in rememberance of all the great shows I saw Montague play with The Woggles. He will be missed. He is missed. I shall do the Montague in his honor!

Beth Pitchford

May 15, 2003

DOIN THE MONTAGUE!! HEY HEY!!



xx

Christopher Elmore

May 15, 2003

Rickenbackers, Convertibles, Kentucky Fried Texaco, The Cramps, Black Classic Biker Boots, Athens, GA, The Yellow House, Classic Movies...These are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of George Holton. He loved all of these things and so much more. He loved good friends and loud music. It's hard to believe he has left us! George also liked to mess with people, but in a good way. I will never forget that eventful summer at The Yellow House when George uttered the word "Booger" and directed it toward me. Andrew and several others were there and from that moment forward I would be known as "Booger". I thought how could he give me such a nickname, when afterall, I was only trying to make a young French girl feel welcome in Tennessee and more importantly, the South (you had to be there). I never liked the nickname (and still don't), but I will say that those days were the best of my life. George would "hex" on me and others and it really provided some quality laughs. George left Chattanooga and moved on to bigger things, but I often thought about him and wondered how he and The Woggles were doing. What a sad time it is now! It is nice to know that George lived a rockin' life and had such good friends.



I would like to say, George, I'll never forget you. I would also like to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this time of mourning.



Roll on, Domino, We salute you!



Your friend,

Christopher Elmore, aka "Booger"

Chattanooga, TN

Olivia Lim

May 15, 2003

It is hard to believe that George is gone. I just talked to him Sunday night. George and I were friends since 9th grade. In our early twenties we lost touch and had a falling out. But a couple of months ago I found out he was coming to Asheville and went to see him. After apologies to each other we made up for lost time. It seemed like our friendship was never interupted. Since the rekindling of our friendship, we have been talking-e-mailing at least once a week. The Woggles were planning to play in Asheville in June around my birthday. Seeing George and the Woggles was going to be my birthday night out. We talked of having dinner before the show. I will be so lonely that night. I am so glad George and I found meaning in our friendship again. We talked so much about "Hey, 'member when..." Our history runs deep... My future will always be full of the good memories that we had. George, I miss you. I hope his family realizes what a special impact he had on many peoples lives. He will be missed by so many.

Hollie Mitts

May 15, 2003

I met George in High School when I was 13 and continued to hang out with him for several years following. He turned me onto some cool music i.e Joy Division and shared his love of REM with me as well. When I would teach myself a new song on the bass, I would call up George for him to listen to it. He lended a good ear and was there for me during some difficult times in my life growing up. Sometimes a spin in the old MG would lift my spirits. George was a big influence on me and was greatly respected. He was so enthusiastic about life that he just had to pile in 100 years into 31.

I'm just glad I got to know him....

Hollie

Carolyne Mathers-Britt

May 15, 2003

My heart goes out to all of George's loved ones. I lived with George for almost 6 years during his time in Athens. We met while he was starting the short-lived and slightly illegal "Shirley Hemphill International Ballroom" with a group of friends. That evolved into "Hoyt Street North" where George brought his idol Dick Dale to Athens for the first time on his come-back tour and revived 80's Disco Night for all of the town's college kids. George was a real showman and joining The Woggles was the start of something great for him. He was living his rock and roll dream touring Europe, Japan and all over the US of A. He made friends everywhere he went and everyone that hears the news will be greatly saddened.

Barry Goubler

May 15, 2003

The Woggles were my favorite band to see when I lived in New Orleans, and 'Montegue' was a big part of that;I always was happy to see them; I was just thinking about how they were doing, only to hear about the sad news. I can only offer my condolences, and say what a nice guy and great guitarist George was, and still is in our memories.

Andy Gish

May 15, 2003

What a sad day it is.



Things will never be the same. I will very much miss seeing Montague cart Manfred around on his shoulders. …What a tragic loss to the music world.



My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

John Beaty

May 15, 2003

How sad to learn of your passing.

George, you were an inspired musician and an interesting roomate. I'm glad I saw you at that British Car show in Chatta-boogie. I now wish that I could have seen the last Woggles shows when they past nearby. Your passion for fun living will be missed by all that knew you.

Geri Perkins (Miller)

May 15, 2003

George was such a big influence on so many of us. I met George when he moved to Elizabethtown, and he was instantly a big part of our lives. Hearing that he was gone has made me think of all of the wonderful memories of that time in my life that are tied to George. I just can't believe he's gone... Rest easy, my friend, and I thank you for all of the laughs and great times we had because of you. We'll never forget you.....

Jim Tucci

May 15, 2003

George was great!



I remember his first show as lead.

After the show, he asked me

'Do you think they liked my solo?'

'Which song?' I asked.

'Doesn't matter' said George 'I've only had time to learn one.'

'So it was the same in every song?'

'Yeah. Did you like my solo?'



Long live Montague!

Michael Passman

May 15, 2003

I just got the news yesterday. I'm really shocked and saddened. It was just two months ago that we hung out at Emo's after they opened up for The D4, 45's, Electric Six, and the Dirtbombs. The Woggles have always been stand up guys since I've met them, and remembering Montague hanging out afterwards in his English Beat shirt, tired out, but with a big smile on his face is a great memory. I'm still shocked.

Gregg Taylor

May 15, 2003

George was a good friend from Chattanooga high school days: I remember his wild laugh--his incredible desire to make people laugh, keep them happy--and he did. I'll remember his big land cruiser car, listening to Roy Orbison's "Domino", talking rock'n'roll. The last time I saw George was several years ago, with the Woggles in Hoboken: he looked so happy, so proud to be doing what he loved. Too young: he will be missed, God bless.

Andrew Armstrong

May 15, 2003

I met George in high school when I was 16. He and I instantly bonded and were best of friends for all of my late teens. It was George who turned me on to good music and it was George who was the first to teach me about the meanings of friendship. He was there for all the huge parties in my basement. He practically lived in my house every weekend. I often times spent the weekend doing road trips with George to E-Town , Atlanta and Athens. He was the most generous and kind person I have ever met. It was George who called my mom the night I got arrested for throwing a box of chicken bones at a Hamilton County Sheriff. It was George who would organize a run to the KFT at 3:00 am for the best fried chicken and tater logs in the world.



I lost touch with George about 10 years ago and have constantly thought of him but never made the effort to contact him. Last month, the Woggles had a record release party and I was planning on attending, unannounced, to surprise George but I had been sick and decided to miss the event. I will regret that decision forever. Monty, Jorge, Rounder, no matter what he has been called throughout the years, one thing for certain, George was a very special person who will be missed dearly. George lived life to the fullest and fulfilled his life long dreams or playing in a touring Rock-N-Roll band. I am honored to have known him and will cherish the memories I have of him for all of my life. Nothing can express the sorrow I am felling right now. I just want to say thanks George, for all the good times.

jaap boots

May 15, 2003

Everybody here at VPRO radio Holland remembers Monty as a great guy and excellent performer and we were shocked to hear of his untimely death.We wish his family, friends and the remaining Woggles all the strength and courage to deal with this great loss.

Jaap Boots,Oscar Smit

and everybody here at VPRO Radio.

Greg and Alicia Edler

May 15, 2003

George is immortal in our hearts and through his music. Our deepest condolences to his family and bandmates.

Kathy (Phy) Puckett

May 15, 2003

There are no words to express the impact George had on my life. So many things all trace back to him. He has been a wonderful friend to me for so many years; it is so hard to believe he is gone. It comforts me to know that he was successful with his music and touched so many lives; I know that was always what he wanted. He is a legend...there will never, ever be anyone like George. Rest in peace, dear dear friend. Good thing the angels love rock and roll.

brian atkinson

May 15, 2003

so long big fella,love, brian

John S. Benjamin

May 15, 2003

George was certainly a major part of our lives in Chattanooga and E'town. He was like a part of our family and a dear friend to our girls. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends. There was so very much living yet to do.

Powell Phy

May 15, 2003

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Holton III. George moved to Elizabethtown, Kentucky several years ago and was a very special friend to our Daughter Kathy. George was a guest in our home many times. He and Kathy were continually together during his residency here. On behalf of Helen, Kathy, David and myself; we extend to George's parents and sister our deepest sympathy and condolences. We have continued to remember George these past years with much affection. We will never forget him.

Julie Schuele (Coomes)

May 14, 2003

As many others have stated, I too met George through the Bejamins in good ol' E'town. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. He touched so many lives. I only hope he realized what he meant to everybody. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Too young. Too tragic. Rest in peace, George

Kate Dana Detwiler

May 14, 2003

In 1995, I lived with Buzz Hagstrom and his wife Buffi (of Subsonics fame) in Atlanta. I was a Woggles fan from the word GO. In the year 2000, I moved to Baltimore, MD. I was thrilled when the Woggles came to play the Ottobar. (In addition to many great snapshots of the night, I have a quite hilarious picture of George and me.) One month ago, I moved to Southern California with my wonderful husband of 6 months, Sean. I was just wondering to myself when the Woggles will be traveling out West. I'm so sad to know the band is now missing the one who cleverly touted with the Professor, "Let's all get mule-lipped!" So many things in my life have changed, but for me, my Woggles memories live on. Everybody, do the Montague!

Beth Roberts

May 14, 2003

George Montague Holton was a wonderful friend and truly a southern gentleman. I, too, first met George many years ago through Arwyn and Beth Benjamin, when he moved to a little town called E-town, KY. It’s easy to see why everyone loved George (Monty) so much. He was such a vibrant light in everyone’s life he touched. A soul never to be forgotten.



After many years away from the East Coast, I was able to catch up with George last year when the Woggles came out to LA. I was so proud to see my friend living his dream. My heart and prayers goes out to the Woggles.



I will miss my friend.

Jennifer Tatman

May 14, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. He will be missed.

BRYAN WARD

May 14, 2003

I MET GEORGE ABOUT 13 YEARS AGO THROUGH BETH AND ARWYN,WHEN HE FIRST MOVED TO KENTUCKY. WE WERE INSTANT FRIENDS. WE RENTED A LITTLE HOUSE TOGETHER, FIGHTING OVER WHO'S PET HAD MADE THE POO AND TRIED OUR HAND AT PLAYING MUSIC FOR A WHILE. HE WAS A NATURAL MUSICIAN.

ALL OF MY MEMORIES OF GEORGE INCLUDE HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER. GEORGE WILL ALWAYS BE THE MOST NATURALLY FUNNY PERSON THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN...THE MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES...

ONE OF MY FONDEST MEMORIES WILL ALWAYS BE OUR TRIP TO ATLANTA AND "CHATTA-VEGAS" WHERE WE STAYED AT HIS PARENTS HOME.

I AM SURE THAT ANYONE THAT HAS HAD THEIR LIVES TOUCHED BY GEORGE FEELS THE SAME AS I DO: GEORGE WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF ME. I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM, AND HE WILL FOREVER BE MISSED. MY HEART IS HEAVY TODAY.

I WANT HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.



GEORGE: "YOTCH!"



YOUR FRIEND,

BRYAN WARD

Carol Chiodini

May 14, 2003

The Woggles were a "brother band" to Orlando's Hate Bombs for over a decade. They played and stayed with Bombs drummer Ken and I so many times over the years that it's a blur. What amazing shows, friendships and memories. I framed the great Spanish Woggles poster for Ken years ago and he loved it because it was the epitome of The Woggles - George stealing the show with Manfred on his shoulders. The Woggles were here in Orlando a few months ago to play with Ken's new band and when I walked in the club, George was the first one to hug me. We're all crying in Florida today. We've lost a brilliant musician and friend. As Bombs bassist Scott Sugiuchi wrote to me this morning, "We'll forever do the Montague".

Aaron Jarvis

May 14, 2003

Deeply saddened at George's passing. A phenomenal musician, a phenomenal showman, and most of all, a phenomenal human being. He leaves this world a sadder place for his passing, but a far greater one for his having been. Wish we had another thirty years of him around makin' things swing...

Shannon Jones

May 14, 2003

Our deepest sympathy to George's family. We hope you can find comfort knowing that he made us smile and dance.



Shannon & Mick

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