SURRY — John “Johnny” Hancock Holt Jr. 73, passed away following an extended illness, Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. John was the son of the late Henry Lee and Daisy Mae Edwards Holt.

Some years back, John moved to Virginia Beach, but still maintained a strong presence in Surry County.  He was the manager/supervisor of food packaging/processing at S. Wallace Edwards Ham Co.

Also, a public figure, John served the Surry County community as game warden, fire chief of the Surry County Volunteer Fire Department and served as mayor of the town of Surry.  He was a member of the Jefferson Masonic Lodge, no. 65 and had served as a past Worshipful Master. 

In his pastime, John enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.

John is survived by his companion of 25 years, Monte Benedict; his sister, Elizabeth H. James, his son, John H. Hol, Jr.: four grandchildren, John III, Athena, Patrick and, Thomas; nieces, Tammy (Mike), Tracy (Chris), Tiffany (Christopher), Toni (Joseph) and Tilden (David); and a nephew, Frank (Tisha); step-children, William, Theresa (Gene), and Belinda (Glenn); and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2p.m. in Bacon Castle “Old Brick Church” cemetery with the Rev. O.H. Burton officiating.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Surry and the surrounding communities.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.