Zollie Franklin Holt Jr.

Zollie Franklin Holt, Jr., aged 90, passed away peacefully in Nectar, Alabama, on Thursday, December 27, 2024. Zollie was born on May 12, 1934, in Corsicana, Texas, and graduated from Corsicana High School in 1950 at 16 years old. He spent most of his life in the Birmingham area, where he worked in real estate and urban development. Known for his sense of humor, warm hugs, and love for the community, Zollie touched many lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zollie Franklin Holt, Sr. and Effie Mae Evins Holt Scott, his dear brother, Jack Elon Holt, and his cherished wife, Gloria Eurton Holt.

 At the young age of 14, Zollie distinguished himself as a remarkable softball pitcher. His exceptional talent attracted men’s teams from surrounding towns who eagerly 'hired' him to pitch for their teams. Zollie received meals, shoes, and a softball glove in exchange for his skills. His prowess on the field did not go unnoticed; various colleges in Texas and New Mexico extended full scholarship offers for him to play softball, basketball, volleyball, and football. 

 In 1954, Zollie was drafted into the army where his exceptional athletic abilities quickly caught the attention of his superiors. He was recruited to play on various army sports teams and formed lifelong friendships with fellow athletes. Many of these athletes later joined Zollie in Birmingham after their discharge from the army, where they played softball 'for a living.' His dedication and skill on the field culminated in his induction into the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport. Zollie's competitive spirit and dedication to athletics remained a defining trait throughout his life and influenced both his professional and personal endeavors.

 After moving to Birmingham, a close friend introduced Zollie to the love of his life, Gloria Eurton. Zollie and Gloria were married on April 4, 1959, and shared a bond that lasted a lifetime. Even after Gloria's passing on August 28, 2013, Zollie continued to wear his wedding ring, letting everyone know he remained devoted to his beloved wife.

 Together, Zollie and Gloria dedicated themselves to serving their community and God. Zollie was a faithful servant of the Methodist Church, remembered for his numerous contributions at local, regional, and national levels. While Gloria actively participated in various committees at Huffman United Methodist Church and ClearBranch Methodist Church, Zollie always supported her endeavors through his attendance, financial contributions, and as her chauffeur. Zollie shared his talents generously, serving on the United Methodist Development Fund, finance committee, and New Church Builders. He seized every opportunity for ministry, with his favorite being making PB&J sandwiches for Pinson Valley High School athletes.

 Zollie was a dedicated realtor from 1965 to 2018 and built a reputation for excellence by adhering to the 'Golden Rule' as his guiding principle. His unwavering commitment to transparency, even when it was unpopular, earned him the trust and respect of both his clients and colleagues. Zollie played a significant role in the development of several subdivisions in the Trussville, Argo, and Springville areas and has left a lasting mark on these communities.

Zollie Franklin Holt, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. He is survived by his two children, Melody (Heath) Hart and “Bubba” Zollie (Lori) F. Holt, III; five grandchildren, Ashley Mullins, Erin (Travis) McDonald, Tyler Compton, Christian (Katie) Holt, and Madison (Zachary) Haga; and his great-grandchildren, Elaina McDonald, Cleo Mullins, Hayden Haga, Fox Mullins, Bram McDonald, Zechariah Haga, Malachi Haga and Izabella Haga, who will continue to honor his memory by living out the values he instilled in them. Zollie's unwavering faith, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of many and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

 Relatives and friends are welcome to visitation at ClearBranch Methodist Church, 8051 Glenn Road, Trussville, Alabama, on Monday, January 6, 2013, from 12 to 2 p.m. Services will follow at 2 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama. 

 In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to any of the organizations that Zollie contributed to (listed below) or to a charity near and dear to your heart:

ClearBranch Methodist Church PB&J ministry 

https://clearbranch.org/giving/ 

 Hope for Uganda Children’s Home 

 https://www.hopeforuganda.net/ 

 Restoring Joy Recovery

https://www.facebook.com/p/Restoring-Joy-Recovery-61560928607116/ 

 Tunnel to Towers

 https://t2t.org/donate/ 

 St. Jude’s

 https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html 

 Pallbearers are:

Zollie F Holt, III, Heath Hart, Travis McDonald, Patrick Lang, Tyler Compton, Christian Holt, David Patton, Brandon Garner

 Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing. 

 And in the words of Dang Dang, “number 34”.