Emmette Ray Holt

Emmette Ray Holt (Uncle Bushy & Papa Smurf), 71, of Roanoke, VA, and formerly of Salem, VA, won his wings and went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 20, 2022. Born in Pearisburg, Virginia, to the late Lee Roy and Hattie Gaye Hodge Holt on March 30, 1951, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Vaught Holt; brothers, Roy Lester Holt, Everett Edgar Holt, and David Abraham Holt and sisters, Mamie Holt Reynolds, Nannie Holt Sharpe; Margaret Holt Robertson, Roxie Holt Richardson, and Veneva Gaye Holt White.

Emmette was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the era of the Vietnam War. His career as a long-haul truck driver took him over many parts of the country and brought him new friends along the way. Emmette loved being outdoors, especially if he had a fishing pole in his hands and fish on a string. When hunting season came in, he was in the woods. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and earned quite the reputation as a backyard mechanic, helping friends and family with car repairs when he could. Above all, he loved his family and the time spent with them.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kimberly Dawn Holt, Brenda Lee Hammond, Louella Kay Holt; son, Emmette Ray Holt, Jr.; grandchildren, Preston Emmette-Lee Kelly, Cody, and Cheyenne; sisters, Elizabeth Fannie Holt Stanley and Patsy Holt Telligman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends on Tuesday, May 25, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home; services will begin at 3:00 p.m. Interment, with military honors will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park immediately following the chapel service. Pastor Brian Gordon will officiate.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Carrington Place at Daleville Commons for the compassionate care given to both Emmette and his family during this difficult time.