James Austin "J.A." Holt Jr.

James Austin "J.A." Holt Jr. BLUFF CITY, Tenn. James Austin "J.A." Holt Jr., 91, was born on June 10, 1919, and died on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. He was the son of the late James Austin Holt and Maude Wallace Holt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Fasola; and brother-in-law, John Fasola. He retired after 36 years of active service as vice- president of Tennessee Florist Supply, a business he helped establish. He continued to attend meetings as long as his health permitted. He liked all sports, particularly horses. He owned and showed Tennessee Walking Horses. He was a member of Edgemont Presbyterian Church since Easter Sunday, March, 1959. He was a World War II Army veteran having served with the 289th Infantry in Brussels, Belgium, where he received a Purple Heart for combat duty. He was a member of Kerbela Shrine Temple, Scottish rite and Royal Order of Jesters, Knoxville, Tenn. He was also a past member of Jericho Shrine Temple, Kingsport, Tenn. J.A. is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Willie Mae Smelcer Holt, Bluff City; son, Joseph James Holt of Greeneville, Tenn.; sister, Lavena Pierce and husband Ross of Bristol Tennessee; two nephews, Dennis Pierce and wife Nancy of Bristol Tennessee, and Bobby Smelcer of Greeneville, Tenn.; and sister-in-law, Georgia Smelcer of Greeneville; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:15 Thursday evening, Sept. 23, 2010, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, Bristol Tennessee. The funeral service will follow at 7:30 with Rev. Aaron Bartmess and Rev. Larry Stallard officiating. The committal service and interment will be held at 11 o'clock Friday morning, Sept. 24, 2010, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Greeneville, with Rev. James Fain officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Tennessee Florist Supply, Inc. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.Oakley-Cook.com Arrangements especially for Mr. Holt and his family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home.