John Earl Holt

John Earl Holt, 90, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

John was born July 26, 1931, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, son of Elbert Wofford  and Myrtle Easler Holt. He grew up in Spartanburg’s farming community with his brother, Elbert Wofford Holt, Jr., and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1948.

In 1951, John joined the US Navy, assigned to the Fire Department at NAS Dallas, Texas. He was soon stationed aboard the USS Hancock as a member of the first crew to launch aircraft from a steam powered catapult on a US war ship. After his discharge in 1955, John became a civilian firefighter at Donaldson AFB in Greenville, SC, transferring to NS Charleston, SC as a Fire Prevention Inspector and Assistant Fire Chief in 1965. He was promoted to Fire Chief in 1973, serving in this position until his retirement in 1994.

John spent his retirement years as an active member of John Wesley United Methodist Church in his Lupo Sunday School Class, as well as serving in The American Legion, NARFE and delivering for Meals on Wheels. He was a much beloved member of his West Ashley community who continued to advocate for fire safety throughout his entire life.

John is survived by his former spouse, Dot Holt Story (Jack), his children, Terri Holt Austin (Ronald) and Stephen Ashley Holt (Heike), his grandchildren Mallory Austin Stewart (Eric) and Lauren Austin and was predeceased by his son, David Earl Holt.

His Funeral Service will be 12:00 PM, Thursday June, 30, 2022, at John Wesley United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at  Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s honor to John Wesley United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365