John Butler Holifield

John B. Holifield, 89, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, surrounded by the care and love of his family. Born on September 16, 1935, in Dorton, Kentucky, he was the son of Johnie and Babe Tackett Holifield.
John's life was a testament to the extraordinary achievements of a humble man. Raised in the hills of Kentucky, he embarked on a remarkable journey that defied expectations. At the age of 17, John answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1952. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and duty, he built a distinguished 22-year military career.
John served as a Ranger with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Dominican Republic conflict, Germany, and numerous other operations worldwide. Rising to the rank of Sergeant Major-the pinnacle for an enlisted soldier-he retired in 1975. His service left an indelible mark on his life, shaped by the people and experiences he encountered across the globe.
After retiring from the military, John embraced a second career as a teacher at Denby High School in Detroit. Dedicated to instilling respect, honor, and hard work in his students, he was a mentor who believed in the potential of every individual. His high expectations and steadfast commitment to teaching life skills inspired countless students to overcome challenges and pursue success. John retired from teaching at age 62, leaving behind a legacy of lives forever changed.
John was a man of great strength and an even greater heart. He cared deeply for his family and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. For 58 years, he loved and cared for his wife. He adored his grandchildren, always greeting them with a warm smile, open arms, and his signature phrase, "Come over here, buddy, and give me some sugar," followed by an embrace that conveyed a lifetime of love. John enjoyed the thrill of the horse track and the camaraderie of playing cards with his brother Carl. He rarely missed a family reunion with his siblings and relatives in Kentucky and was always ready to help when someone was in need.
The opportunity to grow old is a privilege, and John's life was full of the treasures that matter most-family, close friendships, duty, and honor. Even nearing the end of life, John lived according to the standards that guided his years – his bed was precisely made, his shoes shined, he built friendships with caregivers, and he enjoyed dinners and ice cream sundaes with his son and visits with his daughter.
John's life was a beacon of service, love, and resilience, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 58 years, Ruby M. Holifield; his brothers Paul Holifield, Carl Holifield, Homer Caldwell, and Jack Caldwell; and his sisters Mary Mullins, Georgia Ann Henson, Geraldine Estep, and Bea Newsom.
He is survived by his son, John Holifield, of Hemlock, Michigan, his daughter, Debbie Newport (Dwight), of Imlay City, Michigan and brother Tommy Holifield (Glenna) of Brazil, Indiana. John also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Mike Holifield (Sherry), Stacey Holifield, Mandy Beuchel (Matthew), Zachary Holifield, Tim Newport (Amanda), Doug Newport (Heather), Jessica Teller (Dan), and Johnathan Newport, along with nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Smith-Miner Funeral Home in Midland, Michigan, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holifield family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.