Oliver Patrick (O.P.) Holder

Oliver Patrick (O.P.) Holder, 89 of the East Fort Hill Community in Robbinsville, passed away peacefully at Graham Health Care Center, Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

          He was the son of the late Buford and Margie Jenkins Holder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Preston Holder in 1989 and his brother Jay Harold Holder.

          O.P. is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jimmie Dula Holder, daughter Leigh Ann Wood and son-in-law Clinton W. (Chuck) Wood IV of Hickory, NC.  Sister, Dilois Sylvester; niece Richelle Rocket of Asheville, NC. and nephew Robert Sylvester of Maiden.

          O.P. attended Western Carolina University and was a member of Robbinsville Masonic Lodge #672. He served as the District Deputy Grand Master from 1980-81 for the 65th Masonic District.

          Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Reverend Eric Reece, Marty Maxwell and Reverend Loy Kennedy will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at the Old Mother cemetery. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Robbinsville Lodge #672.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Clinton W. Wood IV, Raymond Norton, Lindy Ammons and Jeff Millsaps.

          Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Holder family.