​Mr. George Albert Holder

Mr. George Albert Holder, 83, of Mt. Airy, peacefully left this life on March 22, 2017, surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Lillian (Arrington) and daughters Martha (Don Early) Holder and Melissa (David) Blanc, and his sister Carol (Ray) Hawks. His parents were Reverend Gurney and Ada Holder. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James; son, Marty Jerome; niece, Sharon Hawks. He is survived by a brother, Robert (Frances) Holder; brother-in-law J.R. (Etta) Arrington; sister-in-law Marie Arrington and sister-in-law Judy McBride; a host of nieces and nephews; and, a son, John Mark (Rebecca) Holder.

Quick witted and resourceful, George started his professional life at 12-years-old working at Poore’s Grocery in Mt. Airy. He proudly served his country as an Army civil engineer in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he married the love of his life, Lillian Arrington, and began work in retail sales. One of the many accomplishments of his career was the construction of the now Food Lion shopping center in Toast where he had a Goodyear franchise. After moving to Florida for health reasons, he and Lillian became the successful owners of Tate-Phillips Corporation, STG Corporation, Lake Alfred Restorium, and Holder Limited Family Partnership.
He was an avid gardener and orchid grower, made a beautiful Greek salad, and enjoyed classical and gospel music. He collected antique tools and could solve any construction problem with a quick sketch on a paper napkin while sipping a Coke. He loved to tell a joke and to laugh often. His favorite place was on his Ford tractor riding around his beloved farm. He could lull any crying baby to sleep in a few minutes and adored his grandsons, John (DeAnna) Fletcher, Dominic and Nathaniel Blanc, as well as his great-granddaughter Jana Fletcher.
George was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and served as President of the Bartow (FL) Rotary Club. He was founder and President of the Main Street Bartow (FL) Association as well as President of the Bartow (FL) Chamber of Commerce. He served his church in many capacities through his lifetime; he was a Sunday School teacher, choir director, deacon, and member of the board of directors.
Family visitation will be Friday, March 24, from 4-6 p.m. at Moody’s Funeral Home, Mt. Airy. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Airy. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to either: Joy Ranch, 813 Joy Ranch Road, Woodlawn, VA, 21381 OR NC Baptist Children’s Home, 2529 Cedar Lane, Kinston, NC, 28504. Interment will be at Skyline Gardens in Mt. Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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