Ernest William Holt
October 10, 2019
Ernest Holt, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2019.
Ernie was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts and later moved to Florida in the early 1950’s.
He proudly served in the Navy during WWII, enlisting at the age of 17. He retired as a lieutenant from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office in 1976 after 20 years of service. An avid lifelong learner, his “retirement” included work as a realtor; establishing a handyman business; earning a pilot’s license; growing a fabulous backyard vegetable garden; and learning to sew. He was gifted with a sense of humor and the ability to fix or build just about anything.
During Ernie’s life, he volunteered his time and talent for numerous organizations and causes including: The Boy Scouts of America, Foxfire Museum in North Georgia; Meals on Wheels; hospital volunteer; and Macon County Senior Citizen Center in Franklin, North Carolina.
Other proud accomplishments and ventures include physically building his beach house at Vilano Beach, FL many years ago; piloting a small plane for a trip to California; walking 30 miles along the shoreline from Jacksonville Beach to St. Augustine in a single day; traveling the country in his motor home; and in his 80’s completing the rigorous study for initiation into Freemasonry.
Ernie is survived by his three daughters—Gaylynn, Deborah, and Mary, and his two sons—Gary and Peter as well as 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Ernie will be missed by many family members and by many dear and close friends from his time living in Franklin, NC for 15 years until 2017.
At Ernie’s request, there is no formal memorial service. Hold close the good memories of his life.
“Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone”
Please consider Haven Hospice of Gainesville, Florida if considering a memorial in Ernie’s name.
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Proud son-in-law of a great man in this life, Ernie Holt. Ernie had a big heart, a never-ending sense of humor, a continued awe and love of nature and beauty, always collected, always gentle and a gentleman, always accommodating, deeply sympathetic and empathetic towards others feelings and emotions, showing tenderness and compassion at the exact right moments, ready to diminish himself so he could encourage another and urge them forward. Ernie, I will miss you and will not forget who you were, what you stood for, and the good things you gave to me.
Such a wonderful man and a beautifully written tribute. Our deepest condolences to the Holt family. What an incredible life he lead! We're better people for having known him.
Ernie, Sgt. Holt to me, was my first Sgt. at JSO when I came through the Police Academy in April of 1970. I respected him and like him, he never forgot me when we passed each other from time to time until he retired. I am sorry for your loss and mine.
Great Guy!
Al Martin
Ernie aka ol'Ern was his nickname. Was a good provider to us. He taught me hard work ethics and responsibility to my own family. I enjoyed many weekends and summers helping him build our beach house in vilano beach. He taught me how to repair anything and carpentry. He was a true example of a responsible father who worked several jobs to provide for us. I enjoyed our time camping, surf fishing and hiking the Appalachian mountains. He had a great sense of humor and made us laugh. A practical joker. I enjoyed the time we spent together especially in his later years. I cherished every moment during those times. He was a loving grandfather and great grandfather. He was a kind hearted and giving person.