Arvil E. Holt

Blythe, GA – Mr. Arvil Ewell Holt, 92, beloved husband of 71 years to Geraldine Holt entered into rest on Monday, February 10, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family.

Arvil was born on August 6, 1932, in Lee County, Texas (Knobs Springs - at home to his loving parents Rev. Thomas Ewell Holt and Winnie Owena Burks). His father was pastor of small churches in the McDade area where his mother taught school and he and his sister Elwanda Merle Fisher grew up. Arvil went to high school at Elgin High School in Elgin, Texas where he played football, twice was Homecoming King, and graduated at age 16 in 1949. He graduated in 1952 from Howard Payne College, in Brownwood, Texas where he majored in education. He got his master’s degree from Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College in 1959. He taught in public schools in San Antonio, Texas for three years, served his country in the army two years, served as Principal of Lakeview Baptist School nine years and was Headmaster at Curtis Baptist Schools for 31 years. He retired to his country home in 1997, built a replica of a One Room School House and invited schools to spend the day “back in 1912.” He and his wife enjoyed teaching over 2,500 students in 108 groups before health issues caused them to close the doors in 2019. All through his long life, he was blessed to be active in work for the Lord, teaching Sunday School, serving as Deacon, volunteering wherever the Lord called him.

He felt blessed to be called “Daddy” by four children and “Granddaddy” by eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He dearly loved his two daughters: Beverly Jean Stewart (Randy) and Darbie Gail Whiting (David). He also felt truly blessed for being the father of two sons: Dale Lee Holt (Teri) and Brian Ewell Holt (Brandee). Of course, his grandchildren stole his heart: Benjamin Creswell Stewart (Christina), Laurie Jean Stewart, Elijah Stephen Holt (Samantha), Caleb Thomas Holt (Dawn), Nathaniel Lucas Holt, Joshua David Whiting (Danielle), Abigail Hannah York (Ross), Gabriel Andrew Whiting, Andrew Joseph Whiting, Sadie Pualani Holt and Seth Kekoa Holt. His heart overflowed with the coming of seven great-grandchildren: Bear David Whiting, Pace Elizabeth Whiting, Beck Emery Whiting, Maria Hope Stewart, Theodore Getzen Holt, Finley Hammond Holt and Maximus Thomas Holt.

Arvil was preceded to heaven by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Leslie Fisher, Jr. He would want all his friends and relatives to meet him one day in “That Home Over there.”

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall of Blythe Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Wade Sosebee and Rev. Jeff Meeks officiating. Burial will follow at Blythe Baptist Church Cemetery and be officiated by Rev. Barry Daniel. Mr. Holt’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Samaritans Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online or Curtis Baptist School, 1326 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901.