Leland Michael (Mike) Holt

He touched our lives with a light that will never fade.

Leland Michael (Mike) Holt entered into God’s Kingdom on March 31st, 2025 at his home surrounded by loving family members. Mike was born in Bristol, Tn and was a native of Blountville. He was a standout athlete at Blountville High School where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and track. He was selected to attend Boys State for outstanding students, in the summer of 1959 and made many lifelong friends. 

Mike played college basketball for both Carson-Newman College and East Tennessee State College where his freshman team beat the varsity team led by Tom Chilton. He also received an offer from the Chicago White Sox as a catcher. Mike worked in the book industry and made many special friends in his years traveling. His passion for sports spurred him to invest in Tri-Cities Sports where local athletics are featured and supported. Mike’s favorite pastime was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren in anything they did. He supported his family with his time, resources, and love without ceasing.

Mike taught Sunday School at both First Baptist Blountville where he had the youth class and First Baptist Kingsport where he led the senior men’s class, as well as Crown Cypress Assisted Living. He also served as a deacon at Litz Manor Baptist.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Henry Leland Holt; mother, Ella Kate Phillips Holt; sister Linda Kay Holt; and daughter Catherine Rosemary Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan B. Holt of the home; son Christopher R. Holt and wife Kari, of Kingsport, TN; grandsons Hunter C. Holt of Nashville, TN, Joshua C. Holt of Kingsport, TN, and Carter C. Holt of Kingsport, TN; granddaughters Molley M. Smith of Oakland, CA, Abigail Smith Judstra (Colin) of Washington D.C., and Chole Holt of Kingsport, TN;  sister, Jean Fuller (Jim) and brother Phillip Holt (Lisa); along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2pm to 4pm in the First Baptist Church Atrium on Sunday, April 6, 2025. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. A graveside service will be conducted at 11am on Monday, April 7, 2025 at East Lawn Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers are Hunter Holt, Joshua Holt, Carter Holt, Ben Holt and Jimmy Fuller. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50am.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kingsport in support of their community outreach programs. 

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Holt family.