Philip Wayne Holder passed away on August 3, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 77. Born in Hartsville, Tennessee, Philip (one ‘l’ not two!, he’d say) lived a fulfilling life marked by his dedication to his professional endeavors and his family.
Philip graduated from Trousdale County High School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. While attending college, Philip was a proud member of Phi Epsilon fraternity and a founding member and officer of the M.T.S.U. chapter of Kappa Alpha Order. Philip started his professional career as an accountant with Peat, Warwick & Mitchell in Nashville, TN upon his graduation.
His career was distinguished by his role as Chairman of the Board at Citizen’s Bank, as well as serving as President of Cumberland Bancshares, Inc., a company he founded, alongside being an accomplished accountant, entrepreneur, and lifelong farmer. Philip joined the Board of Directors at the Bank in 1973, and was elected Chairman in 1986, a position he held until the Bank’s purchase by First National Bank in 2022.Philip’s professional success was paralleled by his commitment to his community and his family. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Hartsville, where he actively participated in church activities.
Outside of work, Philip was an avid golfer and a passionate supporter of the Tennessee Titans. As the resident accountant of his golfing group, he was routinely tasked with compiling scores and payouts for the days’ competition, a task he regularly approached with glee as he read out the days wins and losses for his playing companions. Fortunately for them, all records of their skill, or lack thereof, and financial losses on the course go to the grave with Philip. His love for sports was only matched by his devotion to his family and friends.
Philip also loved the beach, and regularly visited Santa Rosa, Florida with his loving companion June Crowell. Philip found June late in life, loved her fiercely and considered her and her son Luke as part of his family. The beach was a part of his soul, and he reveled in his time there with family and loved ones.
Philip is survived by his two sons, Chris Holder and his wife, Vitalina, of Murfreesboro, TN, and James “J.J.” Holder of Hartsville, TN; two grandchildren, Rhys and Ras Holder; a step-grandchild, Nikolas Yegorov; a brother, Stanley Holder and his wife, Vicki, of Hartsville, TN; and his companion, June Crowell of Franklin, TN, along with her son, Luke Crowell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ras H. Holder and Charla Neal Holder.
Visitation will be held at Anthony Funeral Home, 337 McMurry Blvd E, Hartsville, TN 37074, on Wednesday, August 7th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be an open visitation at First Baptist Church of Hartsville, 773 McMurry Blvd., Hartsville, TN 37074 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8th. The funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Bro. Jack McCall and Bro. Matt Edwards with interment to follow at Hartsville Memorial Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers: Jackie Dillehay, Ferrell Carman, Greg Barton, William Beasley, Steve Burrow, Tommy Thompson, Steve Eller and Jerre Fly. Active Pallbearers: Jason Holder, Blake Holder, Bill Bradshaw, Toby Woodmore, Luke Crowell and Sam Holder.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Philip. The arrangements are being handled by Anthony Funeral Home, Hartsville, TN. Philip’s legacy of kindness, dedication to family, and community involvement will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Anthony Funeral Home, 337 McMurry Blvd. E, Hartsville, TN 37074, 615-374-2280
