Ronnie Holt

LASHMEET- Ronnie Holt, 65, of Lashmeet, died Saturday, October 4, 2025. Born March 20, 1960, in Princeton WV, he was born into a large and loving family. After the early passing of his father, his older brothers stepped into fatherly roles, ensuring he always had love and support. His sisters, he would often joke, arguably spoiled him a bit too much. The rock of the family was his mother, Margaret, whose constant encouragement shaped his life. He carried the deep loss of her passing with him always. In his early years, Ronnie faced a challenging medical diagnosis that could have stopped many in their tracks. Yet, in spite of these difficulties, he went on to meet the love of his life, his "Blondie," Teresa. They built a beautiful life and raised their two children together; Teresa remained the love of his life to his final breath. Ronnie was a first-generation college graduate from Bluefield State College, an accomplishment he was immensely proud of, and his educational achievements did not stop there. He went on to earn two graduate degrees, becoming a proud alumnus of West Virginia University. He dedicated the majority of his professional life to Bluefield State University, where he served as the Director of Veteran's Upward Bound and as an adjunct Professor of Psychology. Serving the Veteran community quickly became his life's passion, a commitment he undertook in honor of his brother, Merril, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. Over the course of his career, Ronnie helped thousands of Veterans successfully navigate their college education. For his dedication to unconditional service, he was honored with the prestigious Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award. Away from work, Ronnie found joy on his farm. He took great pride in raising cattle and enjoyed working his land on his tractor. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his boys, and eventually his grandson. Despite facing significant hardships, Ronnie Holt managed to lead an exceptional life. He touched the lives of countless people with his grit, determination, and profound desire to help others. He was a wonderful father, a loving father-in-law to his daughters, and he adored his only grandchild, Christian, with all of his heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene Holt, Merril Holt and Henry Holt. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Teresa Holt; two sons, Ronald D. Holt, II and wife Brittany of Bluefield, VA and Rodney M. Holt and wife Leslie Robertson of Lashmeet; three brothers, Giles Holt and wife Debbie of Lashmeet, Earl Holt and wife Nancy of Lashmeet and Kenny Holt and wife Brenda of Princeton; three sisters, Margaret Shrewsbury of Matoaka, Janet Caruso and husband Jimmy of Lashmeet and June Taylor and husband Roger of Weyanoke; one grandson, Christian Holt of Bluefield, VA; and numerous extended family members and many friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Weyanoke Church of God, with Pastor Margaret Holt, Kenny Holt and Joshua Holt, officiating. A graveside service will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 628 in memory of Merril Holt. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until service hour at the Weyanoke Church of God. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.