Former High School Football Coach Charles W. “Charile” Holt Jr., passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind his wife and childrens.
Charlie Holt spent over five decades of his life practicing law and serving as an attorney for the people of Lawrence County and Middle Tennessee.
Before beginning his law career, and after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1973, Charlie worked as a teacher and coach at a high school in Smyrna.
Charlie Holt was a four-year starter for the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders, where he became known for his reliability and strength on the field.
He earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors in three seasons, showing consistent excellence as an offensive lineman.
His play helped power one of the conference’s leading rushing attacks, and coaches often praised his toughness, quickness, and leadership.
During his senior year, he was chosen as a team co-captain and named to the First-Team All-OVC, one of only three MTSU players to receive that recognition.
He also earned a spot among MTSU’s six Most Outstanding Seniors, honoring his contributions both on and off the field.
Later, he shifted his focus to law, earning his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1976. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1977.
While he is now remembered by many as an attorney, a few still remember him as a football coach and teacher from their high school.
Tennessee Community Mourns the Loss of Charles W. “Charlie” Holt Jr.
Born on January 4, 1951, Charlie was one of the four children of Charles W. (“Big Charlie”) and Nell Holt.
Charlie has three sisters: Nelda Graham of Old Hickory, Laura Haynes of College Grove, and Sara Jane Margraf (Bill) of College Grove.
Living a 74-year life of service, Charlie was a loving husband to Martha for 52 years and a caring dad to his children, Catherine (Cassie) Holt and Charles W. (Trey) Holt III.
Charlie’s death has not just left a void in his family; many of his students, friends, and others who knew him are grieving and expressing their support to the family.
One of his friends shared a heartfelt message in a Facebook post, saying;
I sure hated to hear that my buddy Charlie Holt passed away yesterday. Charlie served Lawrence County for many years as our county attorney, and I was fortunate to work with him throughout my sixteen on the commission. When I walked in as a 19-year-old kid, he didn’t hesitate to take me under his wing. He gave me the kind of honest guidance that helps you grow, always telling me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. As a friend, he was steady, encouraging, and the kind of man you don’t find often anymore. His impact on me and on this county will last. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers. Rest in peace, Charlie.
Charlie dedicated years of his life to his community, guiding athletes, helping clients with legal matters, and even participating in local programs.
While Charlie has left a lasting impact and legacy in Lawrence County, he now lives on in the hearts of many.
Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is set to take on the responsibility of Charlie’s funeral.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 13, 2025. Interment will follow at Mimosa Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN.
We also express our heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s family, friends, and all well-wishers.
Rest in Peace, Coach!
