1921
2016
JAMES CECIL HOLDEN, Sr.
James Cecil Holden, Sr., a lifetime resident of Brunswick County, went to be with our Lord on January 1, 2016, at the age of 94 years. He lived on the Intracoastal Waterway at Lockwood Folly Inlet between Holden Beach and Long Beach.
Born May 20, 1921, in Brunswick County, NC, he was the son of George Washington and Florence Jane Lewis Holden.
After Cecil graduated from Shallotte High School, he spent one year working at the shipyard in Wilmington, NC. While working at the shipyard, he was drafted into service during World War II. He served in the European Theater, landing in Marseilles, France with the 62nd Armored Infantry Battalion, 14th Armored Division. He was promoted to sergeant and awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. Cecil always said that his lost war buddies should have received his medals. During his time in service, he was fortunate to have several close friends become "brothers." Now deceased, they were David Ferrell of New York and Florida, Robert (Bob) Beall of Oregon, Jack Lemhouse of Oregon, and "Pop" of New York. After returning home, Cecil resumed farming with his brother, Wilbur, who served in the Pacific Theater. Cecil was a founding and lifetime member of the local VFW and lifelong member of Sabbath Home Baptist Church near Holden Beach.
Cecil is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mildred Cherry Holden, his brother, Wilbur Holden, half-brothers, Clyde and Rutherford Holden, and half-sister, Beulah Parker. Since two years of age, he lived in the home on the inlet built by his parents.
Survivors include his children and their spouses respectively: Jim and Kathryn Chubb Holden, Marston Holden, Jeff and Majannah Holden Turlington, and Cecile Holden. Surviving grandchildren are Jameson and Meghan Gurlitz Holden, Daryl Turlington, Trisha Turlington, Ryan and Sharay Beeson Holden with great-grandson, Carter Holden. He is survived by his two sisters, Marie Scola and Margaret Sellers, and sister-in-law, Etheline Dance Holden. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Sabbath Home Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on January 3, 2016. Following immediately, the funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Wade McLamb and Dr. Foyd Bennett. Graveside service will be held at the Holden Family Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Danny Galloway, Jameson Holden, Ryan Holden, Vann Pyatte, Trisha Turlington, and Daryl Turlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sabbath Home Baptist Church, 990 Sabbath Home Road SW, Holden Beach, NC 28462 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 955 Mercy Lane SE, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Arrangements under the direction of White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte, North Carolina.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Cecil will be greatly miss. Prayers for all the family. Love and Prayers, Tony and Brenda Hare
January 10, 2016
alice Faye bozeman
My prayers go out to the whole family.My mom and dad loved them both and so did I.
January 5, 2016
John Holden
Cousin Cecil was a man to be respected. He was a great father and husband. He was a favorite among friends and relatives-- and loved by all. His bravery in war was proof of his stature, and he was a hard working farmer--no easy job. We will miss him very much. God bless you, Cecil, and bless your family.
Love, John Q and Betty Holden, Jacksonville, Fl
January 4, 2016
Robert J Robinson
There is a special place in our hearts that can only be filled by dad, sorry for your loss he truly was a special man.
January 3, 2016
cindy lee
Cecile and family, so sorry for your loss. You all were blessed to have your dad for so long. I know he was a good man. God bless you all. Thoughts and prayers for all.
January 3, 2016
Jo-Ann (Scola) Babchak
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Cecil. A kind and gentle man with so many stories including his stories of WWII. He was truly a blessing in our lives and he will be missed terribly. Sending love to our cousins. Xoxo
Jo-Ann, Rick, Priscilla, Natasha, Victoria and Cecilia
January 3, 2016
Earlene Ledford
Mr. Holden was truly a wonderful loving man. He was a good friend and will be missed by all that knew him. Our prayers go out for family.Jim & Earlene Ledford Charlotte, NC
January 3, 2016
Jenrette"s
Prayers for the Holden family and friends!
January 3, 2016
Renee Smith
Bill, Jim&I are truly sorry for your loss. You& your family are in our prayers.
January 2, 2016
Derinda Holden Green
My most sincere condolences to the family. I understand your loss and know how you must be feeling now. Will be praying for all of you.
January 2, 2016
Sandra Tyson
The short time I knew this wonderful man and his family was a blessing to me. May God sent his angels to give the family peace As for Pops I know I will see him again in heaven.
January 2, 2016
RICHARD GARN
JOHN,
VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE MUST HAVE BEEN AN OUTSTANDING PERSON.
DICK GARN,
497 FIS
January 2, 2016
Rose Marie Holden Cole
Sending many prayers to the Cecil Holden family. Cecil and Mildred will always be remembered with love and joy.....my visits with them were the highlight of my trip to Holden Beach. As a 7 yr. old little girl, I remember Uncle Wash, Cecil's Dad, talking with my Dad, Rotha, as he was known to his Holden family, about building our first cottage on Holden Beach. Those memories will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Cecil, and know you will be with Mildred and our loving God.
January 2, 2016
Carlene Evans Holden
"Uncle Cecil" holds a special place in my heart. I will always treasure the times spent at his house around his great family. He was a blessing to me and many others. Much love and prayers for the family.
January 2, 2016
Bunny Evans
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 2, 2016
CHUCK EVANS
SENDING UP PRAYERS FOR GREG, CARLENE AND ALL THE HOLDEN FAMILY MEMBERS, AND MAY "UNCLE CECIL" REST IN PEACE; MAY HIS SOUL RISE IN GLORY.
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