Harold Holbert
May 1, 1937 ~ August 4, 2014
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
William Harold Holbert, Cdr. USN, Ret., DAV, VFW
Harold Holbert passed away Monday, August 4, 2014.
Harold served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1985 and held four commands: USS Accokeek, USS Safeguard, BEST Unit and the Beachmasters Unit 2. He also served in Vietnam and earned several medals and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
He was a member of the American Legion, Mt. Hermon Masonic Lodge, Hendersonville Shrine Club, Blue Ridge Shrine Club and the Oasis Temple. Having recently earned his 50 year pin, Noble Harold became a Master Mason and Shriner in 1963; in 1995 he ascended to Worshipful Master. His love for the brotherhood is evidenced by tireless hours he spent selling papers and driving cars for the auction. In 2006 he was the top fundraiser for his club; in addition, he and his cherry red convertible Camero were part of the Oasis Shriners Ragtops Unit.
He held a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and he was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC. Along with serving God, his country and his brotherhood, he was a generous and caring father.
He is survived by his son, William Harold Holbert, II, MS, MPH (MD projected June 2017) of Virginia Beach, VA; his daughter, Dr. Laura Ann Bixler and her husband, David Bixler, P.E., S.E. of Scottsdale, Arizona.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian including Masonic rites conducted by the Mt. Hermon Lodge. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park with military honors.
Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
William and Ann,
We were saddened by the passing of Harold. There are so many fond memories of our times together in Va., N.C., and Ga.
Our deepest sympathy to both of you.
Love,
Uncle Sonny and Aunt Gladys
Sending our love and prayers. Hold close the fond memories.
Harold was my friend for over thiry years. He was a man of honor and good character. He was proud of his service to our country and The Shrine. He loved his family and friends. To Ann and William, may God comfort you.
So long Commander, we’ll meet again. — Doc
Harold was a loyal member of the USS Robert L Wilson DD/DDE 847 Association. The officers and members of the association offer our condolences to his family and friends. Our future reunions will not be the same without Harold. We will miss him.
Jack Scully
Herold was a faithful Shipmate as he was at most of our Ships Reunions, and he will be greatly missed by his shipmates, As I am sure he will be missed by his family even more!!
I know the Bixlers are sad, but I remember how proud Mr. Holbert was the day Ann and Dave were married, I am so sorry for your loss, but what a great man he was and his service to our country is appreciated. Rest in Peace sailor.