Holt, Thomas Michael
A true gentleman, soldier, and music aficionado died peacefully at his home in Brandon, MS on May 5, 2013 at the age of 93. Born on July 4, 1919 in Charlotte, NC to parents Earle Pendleton Holt, Sr. and Mary Eugenia Harris Holt, Tom was a beloved and devoted husband of 46 years to the late Forrestine Lorraine Holt (nee: Whitaker); brother to the late Dr. Earl P. Holt, Jr.; and uncle to Earl P. Holt III (Katherine); Wistar W. Holt (Judy Matthews); Richard O. Holt; and Isabel Lee Wiederaenders (Jim).
Tom graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy, Oak Ridge, NC in June, 1936 and Oak Ridge Junior College in June, 1938. He entered the University of North Carolina in Sept., 1938 and studied French and Literature until June, 1939, whereupon he entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.
Following 30 months of military training and commanding assignments at various U.S. Army bases, on December 24, 1941 Tom’s unit sailed out of the New York harbor on the Queen Mary bound for Northern Ireland. He soon became a member of the First Ranger Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Darby. While on a secret mission in Northern Africa, on December 24, 1943 Tom’s Ranger unit was captured by the Germans and he became a WW II P.O.W. for over 30 months, before escaping from the OFLAG 64 camp in Poznan, Poland in January, 1945.
For the next 2-3 months, Tom’s separate, smaller group of 5 soldiers survived on meager rations and traveled over 750 miles, primarily on foot and occasionally by train and truck. Their journey took them from Poznan, Poland to Odessa in the Ukraine on the Black Sea, where they were finally rescued by a U.S. Naval Transport in the Odessa harbor. Down to a weight of 125-130 lbs. while living on merely 500-600 calories per day during his capture, Tom spent the next year recovering in an Army hospital in Miami, Fla.
Lieutenant Colonel Holt also served in the Korean War from 1951-1954 and was honorably discharged from the United States Army on July 4, 1979.
Tom completed a Master’s Degree in Voice at the Manhattan School of Music and later performed a solo recital at Carnegie Hall. He went on to become the leading baritone with the Charlotte Opera Company and performed numerous concerts throughout Europe. He also taught voice at many colleges and universities, including Catawba College, Salisbury, NC; Florida State Univ., Tallahassee, FL; Lenoir Rhyne College, Hickory, NC; Montevallo University, Montevallo, AL; and Millsaps College, Jackson, MS.
Services: Graveside burial will be at the United Methodist Church Cemetery, Oak Ridge, NC on Saturday May 11 at 12:00 noon. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Flowood, MS at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Flowood, MS.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 17, 2013
Keith Burton
From his torch, I lit my candle. Godspeed Colonel.
June 4, 2013
Jim & Rhaelea McReynolds
We have known Tom for 30 years. We shall all miss a true Gentleman. He was a delight to talk to. A real hero.
June 4, 2013
Dewey and Sandy Vandevender
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Our prayers are with you
June 3, 2013
Greig J. Thibodeaux
Being the son of a former WWII Ranger, it was a pleasure meeting Mr. Thomas. Even though our meeting was quite short, he was an extremely interesting man. I am only sorry I had never met him earlier. He was a hero who served in multiple wars & had amazing stories. My deepest sympathy & thoughts go out to his entire family. I also salute him for his service to his country.
May 24, 2013
Mary Warren
Wanted to post about service. It will be June 12 @ 11:oo a.m. @ Saint Stephans chuch on Lakeland Drive. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
May 11, 2013
Christopher Ruhm
I had the priviledge of knowing Mr. Holt in his later years. I could sense his greatness yet humility. His life story which I only knew a part has inspired me. Even in his 90's he would sing in the church choir with all gusto! He was always approachable and full of life.
May 10, 2013
Merlyn Dungey
I greatly admired LTC Holt. Loved his voice and his prayers he gave at our MOAA meetings. I felt a connection to him because he went to Ireland with the 34th INF Div which my dad was a member. I know my dad was part of the North Africa operation, but my dad was not part of the Darby rangers. LTC Holt's survival during captivity and escape are trully remarkable. He is a HERO. LTC Holt will be dearly missed.
May 10, 2013
Joe Smith
A great teacher, and greater man! He is the reason I joined the military. Thank you for your service, and for teaching me some important life lessons.
May 10, 2013
Vickey Dyess-Henderson
Mr. Holt was an amazing educator and a true American hero. He was a master of music, foreign languages, and history. As a former student from Pelahatchie, I have so many fond memories of being in his classes. We learned so much from him. He introduced us to a world that we could only imagine by his stories of his travels and his experiences. We all owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid by his sacrifies for his country and his students. Thanks, Mr. Holt!
May 10, 2013
Bill Mays
Lt Col Holt was an extraordinary man who loved his Country and his fellow man so much that he willingly suffered great hardship while serving in our Military, to protect and preserve our freedom and our way of life. The story of his life clearly sets him apart. His extreme sacrifices demand respect, admiration and gratitude.
As current President of the Central MS Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), I speak for our entire Chapter and the MOAA in saying that we proudly salute Him, and the life he lived! We will miss him as a valued Friend and Patriot!
May 10, 2013
Dan Johnson
Mr. Holt was an outstanding American patriot and gentleman. I became acquainted with him through his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a dedicated member who took pride in presenting SAR JROTC medals to students at various schools in the area. My life was blessed by having known him.
May 9, 2013
Lori Santa Ana
Mr. Holt was a fascinating man, a hero and a gentleman. I wish I had gotten to know him better.
May 9, 2013
Barry Lantrip
I had Mr. Holt as a teacher at Pelahatchie high during my years there. he always had a story to tell us and more often than not the class time was spent talking about his travels. Was my favorite all time mentor and role model. He will be greatly missed. RIP
May 9, 2013
Larry Edwards
A great man, a hero, and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. He will be missed by all of humanity.
May 8, 2013
Gloria McPhail Roberts
I am a former student of Mr. Holt from Pelahatchie. He was always a fun teacher. I was blessed to have been able to see him with his wife, helping her with his gentle ways. I have been lucky to continue to see him living in the same town over the years. He was truly a remarkable person. May God bless you with wonderful memories!
May 8, 2013
Janet
Thank you Lt. Colonel Holt for your patriotism and service to our country. You set a high standard that should be emulated by the youth of today. Your were a true American hero. I have my freedoms today because of the sacrifices you made. God bless your family as they mourn your passing.
May 8, 2013
Esther Fabbricante
Tom was an outstanding gentlemen and patriot whom I knew through the Military Order of the World Wars, the Lt. Gen. Emmitt H. Walker Chapter, Jackson, MS. Many times he would direct our singing the National Anthem, while I accompanied at the piano. His late wife, Forrestine, was a dear friend as well. I am grieved at his passing.
May 8, 2013
Nancy Alford
A loss of one of "the great American heroes". God bless his family.
May 8, 2013
Joan Singletary
An outstanding man who touched many lives; a hero in so many ways. You will be missed, Mr. Holt.
May 8, 2013
Kent Olinger
A GRATEFUL NATION and a grateful American pause... and salute a great American. Thank You, Mr. Holt, and Godspeed.
May 7, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. He clearly was a special person and an inspiration to many. Frances Marks
May 7, 2013
David Harlow
Our prayers for all former WW II POWs and especially for you and your family.
May 7, 2013
The Oflag 64 Family
To the family and friends of Thomas Holt--We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. We deeply appreciate his service and sacrifice during those dark days of WWII, especially during his days in captivity at Oflag 64. He was a true patriot and hero and we know he will be greatly missed. We send you our heartfelt condolences along with our thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted by wonderful memories.
May 6, 2013
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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