James "Bo" Holley

James T. “Bo” Holley

Wrens, GA  – James Thomas “Bo” Holley, 74, entered into rest Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2013 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, November 21, 2013 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Clifford Lazenby, Russell Davis and Billy Duggan officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.

One of eleven children born to the late Carrie Arrington Holley and the late Kinchen G. Holley, Bo was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County where he graduated from Wrens High School and was a member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. He retired with 30+ years of service as a Yard Engineer with J. M. Huber Co.  Bo also had his own well-drilling business as well as being a restaurateur of several establishments—he was known for his great steaks and “Boburgers”.  He worked hard to provide for his family. When he was younger, he coached the Yankees Little League Baseball team—after each game, whether they won or lost, he would have a treat for every player.  He was an avid coon hunter—with the best coon dogs—and often would take teenagers out so that they could experience a coon hunt. His many great coon hunting stories provided hours and hours of entertainment for his family and friends. He also enjoyed dove shoots and shooting squirrel. Bo just enjoyed being outdoors, especially working with flowers and in his vegetable garden from which he supplied neighbors, friends and those in need with fresh produce.  Even though he had a good dose of stubbornness and was full of mischief, he was kind-hearted and generous to a fault, often doing without so that others could have.  On Christmas eve, Bo could be found delivering turkeys or hams to less fortunate families but he never sought recognition for these acts of kindness. He never met a stranger and never forgot anyone he ever met.  Bo influenced many lives:  he was a “character” and very unique—a one-of-a-kind, the likes of which will never be again.

Bo was also preceded in death by his siblings, M. G. “Buddy” Holley, John Clifford “Nook” Holley, Doris Holley Delk, K. G. Holley Jr., Dr. Jacob Holley, Dessie Peggy Holley, Louis Holley and Infant Girl Holley. His survivors include his companion of 28 years, Clara W. Widener; three daughters, Cheryl Holley Burke (Jimmy), Carrie Michelle Holley Stewart (Troy) and Jennifer S. Holley; two siblings, Marcus Alexander “Partner” Holley (Mary) and Farris Holley Lazenby; five step children, Steve Cox, Gary Cox, April Widener, Sean Widener and Jeffrey Widener; seven grandchildren, Holley Burke, Sarah B. Kniphfer (Kraig), Jamie Burke, Bryar Troy Stewart, Branson Tyne Stewart, Zackary George Holley and Shelby M. Widener; five step grandchildren, Ethan Martinez, Drake Ellington, Gaige Ellington, Madison Widener and Mason Widener; a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Pallbearers will be Billy Anderson, Clinton Braswell, Mark Holley, Keith Price, Freddie Prickett, Andy Rooks, Barry Russell and Andrew Swan. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Class of 1958.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home this evening, Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
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I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day--
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss--
Ah, yes, these things I, too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow--
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full: I savored much--
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Life up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now--He set me free!

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