Billy Gene Holder, 81

Mr. Billy Gene Holder, age 81, of Swainsboro, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 5, at 3 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Swainsboro with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating. Interment will follow at Swainsboro City Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow after interment at Swainsboro Country Club, 557 McLeod Bridge Road, Swainsboro. Family received friends Tuesday, November 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jed Davis, Wes Snellgrove, Britt Williams, Brad Williams, Tommy Kirby and Joey Crapps. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Flanders, Larry Canady, Bob Youmans, Mike Youmans, Larry Riner, Jerry Woods, Mark Jordan, Scott Livingston, Ronnie Ricks, Carson Cross, Larry Wilkes, Alex Grindler, Keith Wright and Graham Lawson.

Billy was born October 12, 1944, in Swainsboro, to the late R.J. Holder and Mary Virginia Dyson Holder. He graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1962. Billy coached Dixie Youth league baseball for many years. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1973, and was married to her for almost 53 years. Billy worked at Leonard Aluminum from 1963 until 1974. In 1974, he bought, owned and ran the Swainsboro Stockyard until 1985. Billy then went to work for Georgia Ag Chem from 1985 to 1990. For the next 28 years, he was finance manager for Handi House Financial. After this, he retired. Billy loved his wife, children and grandchildren more than anything in the world. His passions were taking care of his Texas longhorns, playing golf, being house vice president of Swainsboro Country Club, and cheering on the Swainsboro tigers. Billy loved his friends and spending time with them daily. He loved sports and especially watching them with the men in his family. Billy had a gift for telling stories and making his friends feel special. He truly believed there was no better place in the world than Swainsboro, Georgia. Billy never wanted to be anywhere else. His most favorite title in life was Pa and spending time with his grandkids. Billy’s greatest legacy will be the loving memories and stories that he left behind. Mr. Holder is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Raymond Holder.

Mr. Holder is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Davis Holder of Swainsboro; son, Mickey Holder (Jennifer) of Galax, VA; daughter, B.J. Holder Griffin (Derek) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Maddison Holder Hughes (Harrison), Davis Ralph Griffin and Sam Edward Griffin; nephew, Collin Holder; and other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Emanuel County Humane Society, 343 Market Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.