Robert Cole Holbrook

Robert Cole Holbrook, 84, of 65 Hartshorn Drive, Candler, died Thursday, May 27, 2004, at his home. A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late Samuel Larkin and Blanche Cole Holbrook. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Hargrove Holbrook, who died in 2003 and by a son, Doby Holbrook, who died in 2000. A graduate of Sand Hill High School and Western Carolina College, he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII and retired after 47 years of service as maintenance supervisor at American Enka. Mr. Holbrook served on the Sand Hill School Board and was a 50 year 32 degree Mason Hominy Lodge #491, Candler and of the Scottish Rite. Active in researching geneology, he was proud of his Confederate heritage and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Cathey Drye and her husband David of Matthews, NC; five sons, Jim Holbrook and his wife Pat of Avery’s Creek, Bill Holbrook and his wife Earlene of the Bethel Community in Haywood County, Tommy Holbrook of Avery’s Creek, Ronald Holbrook and his wife Carol of San Diego, CA and Bobby Holbrook and his wife Pansy of Walnut; sixteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Reverend Kim Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Masonic Rites conducted by Lodge #491. His family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home and request that memorials be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 277 Oak Hill Road, Candler, NC 28715.