Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Groce Funeral Home - West Asheville

1401 Patton Avenue

Asheville, North Carolina

William Holbert Obituary

Harold Holbert, Cdr. USN, Ret.

Fletcher - William Harold Holbert, Cdr. USN, Ret., DAV, VFW, passed away Monday, August 4, 2014.

Harold served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1985 and held four commands: USS Accokeek, USS Safeguard, BEST Unit and the Beachmasters Unit 2. He also served in Vietnam and earned several medals and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

He was a member of the American Legion, Mt. Hermon Masonic Lodge, Hendersonville Shrine Club, Blue Ridge Shrine Club and the Oasis Temple. Having recently earned his 50 year pin, Noble Harold became a Master Mason and Shriner in 1963; in 1995 he ascended to Worshipful Master. His love for the brotherhood is evidenced by tireless hours he spent selling papers and driving cars for the auction. In 2006 he was the top fundraiser for his club; in addition, he and his cherry red convertible Camero were part of the Oasis Shriners Ragtops Unit.

He held a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and he was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC. Along with serving God, his country and his brotherhood, he was a generous and caring father.

He is survived by his son, William Harold Holbert, II, MS, MPH (MD projected June 2017) of Virginia Beach, VA; his daughter, Dr. Laura Ann Bixler and her husband, David Bixler, P.E., S.E. of Scottsdale, Arizona.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian including Masonic rites conducted by the Mt. Hermon Lodge. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

The memorial register is available at grocefuneralhome.com.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Holbert

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Farewell Commander. We'll meet again my friend!

Doc Haynes

August 8, 2014

Live u Ann may your father rest in peace ..

Steven Ridenhour

August 8, 2014

Thanks for keeping me and your kids on the up and up. Miss you and see you in heaven!

James Dumas

August 8, 2014

Fair Winds and Following Sea's

Rob +Becky Roberts

August 7, 2014

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in William Holbert's name

Memorial Events
for William Holbert

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Groce Funeral Home - West Asheville

1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Holbert's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more