James Elam Holder, 86, died on April 6, 2012 at his home in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Brother Holder is survived by his daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Major General (Ret) Russell Cotney of Memphis; his son, Clay Holder and his wife, Shellie, of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and his son, Dr. Paul Holder and his wife, Shannon, of Colonial Heights, Va. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Captain Lauren Cotney, Emma Holder, and Ellie Holder; his grandsons, Jacob Holder, John Aaron Holder, Daniel Holder and Denton Holder.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Nell Henson Holder; his son, James, Jr. (Skip); his parents, Charles and Mattie Scott Holder; his sister, Ray Melton; and his brother, Charles Holder.
James Holder graduated from Bridgeport High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from David Lipscomb College. While at Lipscomb he was a pitcher for the Bison Baseball team.
A veteran of World War II, Brother Holder served in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Alcor and the John Q. Roberts destroyers in the Philippines, Guam and during the occupation of Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Brother Holder retired as a supervisor with TVA after 30 years.
For more than 50 years he preached the gospel and served as the pulpit minister for numerous churches of Christ throughout the mid south. Most recently, he was a member of the Northport Church of Christ in Northport, Ala. Dedicated to making a difference, Brother Holder held Vacation Bible Schools and summer camps for children. He also made mission trips abroad to several countries including India, Saudi Arabia and Africa. Brother Holder authored numerous scripture study guides and informational pamphlets on various Biblical subjects. Through their generosity, he and his wife helped make the Bridgeport Church of Christ building a reality.
James Holder was a man of faith and a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rocky Springs Cemetery in Bridgeport, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the James and Nell Holder Endowed Scholarship at Lipscomb University at One University Park Drive, Nashville, Tn. 37204.