William Howard Holt, age 81, was born on 6/29/1945 in Decatur Alabama. He was a 1963 graduate of Decatur High School and went to Calhoun Community College. He had a passion for auto racing and the mechanics that was associated with it.
He was a 1970s drag racer and was always modifying or working on the engine for more car power and speed. He started helping other racers with their engines at the drag strip and decided in the late 1970s to open his own engine shop part time while maintaining a regular full-time job. He was a hard worker and determined. His part-time job would eventually turn into full time in a very short period of time. He offered along with his son, engine machining and performance engine building for local drag and circle track racers and national racers as well. He had a heavy hand in multiple track championships and national titles and wins across the southeast United States. Holt’s Machine Shop in Hartselle Alabama would proudly stay in business for 45 years until health issues would bring it to an end.
Mr. Holt really enjoyed helping others and took pride when they would succeed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Betty Smith Holt and his parents William Audrey Holt and Mollie Howell Holt.
He is survived by his son Heath Holt of Sommerville Alabama.
Special thanks to Dr. Hornsby and Aveanna Hospice. Bill and Betty Howell of Hartselle and Freida and Myron Thompson of Hartselle.
