Billy Gene Holder

Mr. Billy Gene Holder, 81, of Swainsboro passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born October 12, 1944, in Swainsboro to the late R.J. Holder and Mary Virginia Dyson Holder. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond 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. He 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. He 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. He never wanted to be anywhere else. His most favorite title in life was Pa and spending time with his grandkids. His greatest legacy will be the loving memories and stories that he left behind.

He 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, Sam Edward Griffin; nephew, Collin Holder; and other family members and friends.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at First Methodist Church in Swainsboro with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating.

Interment will be at Swainsboro City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 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.

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.

There will be a reception to follow after interment at Swainsboro Country Club, 557 McLeod Bridge Road, Swainsboro, GA  30401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Billy Gene Holder, 81, of Swainsboro.