Obituary for Dr. William M. Holt William M. Holt, 98, of Newnan, GA passed away at home with family on Saturday, November 10, 2018, preceded in death by his devoted wife Elizabeth G. Holt of 68 years, and his sister, Frances Sousa of Atlanta, who passed earlier that same day, November 10, 2018. He was affectionately called “Bill” by his friends and family. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1920, the son of the late Coleman and Bessie Holt.
He graduated from Tech High School in Atlanta and received his Divinity Degree from Emory University and an honorary doctorate from the John Marshall School of Law of Atlanta. As a Methodist minister, he served his first ministerial appointment on the Maysville circuit of Georgia which was comprised of four rural churches. Soon after he became a short-term missionary (LA-3) in Cochabamba, Bolivia from 1947 to 1950 and them pastored the American Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 1955, he returned to the United States to pastor many appointments through the Methodist North Georgia Conference. He was pastor of the Dahlonega First Methodist Church, Trinity Methodist Church in Atlanta, Carrollton First United Methodist Church, LaGrange First United Methodist Church, Campbellton United Methodist Church, and was interim pastor in Bremen. He was the editor of the Methodist periodical “The Wesleyan Christian Advocate” from 1972 until his retirement.
Dr. Holt enjoyed photography and traveling to many countries, taking many groups on tours with him. His travels gave him many hobby opportunities to take pictures. Survivors include his son, Jim Holt of Newnan, and daughters Judi Presnell of Carrollton and Janis Collins of N. Augusta, SC.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Chris Presnell (Stacey) of Mobile, AL; Robin Keller of Westminster, CO; Alise Cartledge (Chris) of Newnan; Kirk Holt of Newnan; Ben Collins of Carlsbad, CA; Jason Collins (Nina) of Greenville, SC; and 9 great-grandchildren-Rosealia, Kinley, Jase, CeeCee, Cora, Finley, Jo Lynne, Tucker and Leah. There will be a special family memorial service following cremation at the Methodist jurisdictional conference grounds at Lake Junaluska, NC, a beloved place of both Dr. Holt and his wife. This is where the couple took their honeymoon, where they returned year after year, and where his beloved wife was memorialized.
Bill’s wishes were to be memorialized in the same manner as his wife, overlooking the beautiful lake with the majestic mountains beyond, a place of special memories held close to their hearts. A memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Methodist Museum, P.O. Box 518, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 for “The Garden Handicap Accessibility Fund”.
Message of condolence may be expressed to the family at www. mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. William M. Holt please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 38 Jackson Street Newnan, GA, 30263 care@mckoon.com www.
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