Obituary of Robert Joe Holden

Robert Joe Holden, 71, of the Kirklands Creek Community, went home to be with the Lord Sunday February 2, 2020. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late Bill and Martha Dills Holden. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Vella Ree Holden, and Marie Owenby, and two brothers, Edgar and James Holden. Robert was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church for 24 years. He was caretaker for the Church Cemetery for many years. He had many helpers throughout the years including his main helper Edgar Winchester who he thought of as a son. Robert is survived by two sons, Neil Holden, and Ethan Holden; a special friend and caretaker, Emmie Winchester; one special sister-in-law, Cindy Holden; brother-in-law, Dexter Winchester; eight sisters, Azalie Slagle, Josephine Davis, Patricia Simonds, Linda Lindsay, Ruby Passmore, Rosalee White, Sandra Winchester, and Willa Mae Passmore; Danny and J.T. Winchester who he also thought of as sons, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held 12:00 PM Wednesday at Holly Springs Baptist Church. Revs. J.T. Winchester and Eddie Stillwell will officiate with burial in the Holly Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM Wednesday at the Church. Pallbearers will be Jude Winchester, Justin Ledford, Harold Cochran, Rick Lossie, Dexter Winchester, Michael Winchester, Scotty Rollins, and Benny Gibson.