Donald Holt

Donald Dean “Don” Holt, 82, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, May 23, 2019, he was a lifelong resident in his hometown of McRae, Arkansas. He was born January 12, 1937, in McRae, the son of the late Marcus and Lilly Holt.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in McRae.

Don graduated from McRae High School; he then joined the Air Force to travel the world. However, contrary to his plans of travel, he was stationed in Jacksonville, Arkansas instead.  He married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Holt, May 15, 1958, and married for 55 years.

After finishing his service in the Air Force, W&W Ford in Searcy hired Don as a vehicle detailer. During his time as a detailer, a salesperson who needed a break asked him to watch the lot and try to make a few sales if he could. Don was so successful; he was hired as a salesperson and began his career in sales. Soon after, he joined Haverty's Furniture in downtown Little Rock where he was quickly promoted to manager. He seized every opportunity to grow and succeed in his position which eventually led him to become the General manager of the Linkway Home Furnishings chain where he became CEO from 1970-1986. In 1987, Don realized his dream and opened his own store, The Furniture Store, in downtown Cabot, Arkansas; where his daughter and her family continue his legacy. While maintaining his career, he continued farming his land, raising soybeans and wheat, as well as raising minnows. He finally retired at 62 in order to continue traveling with his beautiful wife, Sue.

One daughter, Cyndi McElmurry (Keith), survives Don, along with two sons Jeff Holt and Kevin Holt (Georgia) all of McRae. He was called “Paps” by his many grandchildren; Christopher (Kayla), Heather (Dwight), Matt (Jessica), Chad, Chess, Seth, Christina & Jonathan, as well as his great grandchildren; Alli, Landon, Hayden, and Caroline. Don is also survived by three brothers; Earl Holt of McRae, Glen Holt of Ellsworth, MI, and Derryl Holt (Vaccoll) also of McRae.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Sue Holt, his brothers Harvey and Mark Holt and sister, Geraldine Holt Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, PO Box 249, McRae, AR 72102.

Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.  Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2019 at First Baptist Church in McRae.  Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home.  www.smithfamilycares.com