Reverend Earl H. Holden

Reverend Earl Hampton Holden, age 78, of Sylva, NC, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 28, 2024. 

He was born on January 20, 1946, to the late Robert and Edith Holden. Rev. Holden was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 49 years Ida Mae Jones Holden; son Kenneth Earl Holden; brother William Holden; sisters Coleen Mills and Carol Pruett.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Ann Crisp Holden; brother Frank Holden; daughter Robbie Sutton (Tommy); son Joseph Holden (Crissy); step-son Johnny Ensley (Dena); grandchildren Brandon Palmer (Dana), Brittani Sequoyah (Storm), Christian Holden, Ross Ensley; Ryder Sutton, Lincoln Sutton; 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Earl graduated from Sylva-Webster High School in 1964. He obtained an associate degree from Fruitland Baptist Bible College, Hendersonville, NC. He was ordained on October 12, 1975. He pastored numerous churches in Jackson and Swain Counties during his 49 years of ministry. He is a member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church. Earl was always a hard worker. He was driving a tractor before his feet could reach the pedals. He worked at his parents’ store in his younger years. He then worked night shift at Dayco and would cut and bale hay during the day. He then purchased a dump truck and semi-truck and started his own business. He established Grant & Holden, Inc. in 1987. Earl continued to grow his business over the next 37 years. Earl worked hard but he also had several hobbies. He enjoyed growing a large garden and sharing vegetables with his friends. He canned many of the vegetables he grew and made jellies and jams. He made world famous slaw and fruit cake. Earl loved riding his motorcycle through the mountains and traveling in his RV. He always made time to visit with friends and family. He never met a stranger, and his joy was infectious.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Lovedale Baptist Church with the Reverend J.D. Grant and Reverend Mike Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Hooper Speedwell Cemetery in Cullowhee. The family will receive friends at the church from 11am until 2pm prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Four Seasons Hospice Care. 

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva is in charge of the arrangements for Reverend Holden.