Leroy Holton

Mr. James Leroy Holton, 90, of Oak Park, Georgia entered his eternal home on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. He was born on August 18, 1935, to the late Rev. George Sherrod Holton Sr. and Zera Mosley Holton.

Mr. Holton attended Oak Park High School. At the age of seventeen, he entered the military and earned his GED.  He served his country proudly for 20 years enlisting in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955, the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959, and ending his military service in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1973. He often stated through his military career, he was afforded the opportunity to see parts of the world he would never have been able to experience on his own. Upon retirement from service, he served as a Correctional Officer for 18 years with the Georgia State Prison system.

Mr. Holton enjoyed fishing and gardening. He loved to share his vegetable bounty with friends. His favorite flower, the zinnia, was placed prominently throughout his garden and along the road of his home. Mr. Holton was an avid reader, averaging two books per week, until a couple of weeks prior to his death; his favorite books were those written regarding the military. His most favorite title in life was “Pop” and spending time with his grandchildren and great grands. His greatest legacy will be the loving memories and stories that he left behind.

He was a daily reader of the King James Version of the Holy Bible and has read the entire Bible many times in his latter years. A devoted Christian, he gladly shared the story of Jesus to strangers, family, and friends.  His favorite verse in the Bible is Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” He was a faithful member and prayer partner of Lower Corinth Free Will Baptist Church near Oak Park.

Mr. Holton was preceded in death by his parents, his son, John Bryan Holton; his sister, Frances Holton Watson; his brothers, George and Howard Holton; and two wives, Mary Elizabeth Stringer Holton and Bonnie Hutchinson Holton.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Johnny) Harvey of Sanderson, FL; five grandchildren, Dr. Bryan (Dr. Rosabelle) Allen of Palmetto, FL; Loren (Rob) Reddish of Hilliard, FL; Catherine “Katie” Allen of Sanderson, FL; Grant Allen and Travis Allen of Baldwin, FL; seven great-grandchildren, Gavin Reddish, Amelia Allen, James Allen, Evan Reddish, Mason Allen, Samuel Allen, and Norah Allen.

The funeral for Mr. Holton will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, at Lower Corinth Free Will Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 10 AM until just prior to the service, beginning at 11 o’clock. Interment will be at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Allen, Grant Allen, Travis Allen, Ronnie Allen, Rob Reddish, and Gavin Reddish.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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