Walter Mitchell Holden, Jr.
June 26, 1940 – December 1, 2023
Walt Holden, 83 of Tavares, FL died peacefully at home Friday, December 1, 2023 surrounded by family.
The oldest of 8 children, he was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts on June 26, 1940 to Walter Mitchell Holden and Lois Barthelmes Holden. He graduated valedictorian from Bristol County Agricultural School where he joined the Future Farmers of America and took classes in animal husbandry and horticulture. Walter was a 33rd Degree Mason and served as Worshipful Master of Sanford Masonic Lodge #62.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judith A. Holden, and his children and stepchildren Nancy Palmieri (Mark) of Orlando, FL, Mitch Holden (Cathy) of DeLand, FL, Merry Mott (Vincent) of Lake Mary, FL, Betty Miller (Scott Shattuck) of Homosassa, FL, Amanda Pelc (Robert) of Eastpoint, FL and Shirley Miller (Carl) of Sorrento, FL, plus 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Ron Miller (Aimee) of Sparta, TN and grandson Ryan Ahrendt.
Walt had a life of entrepreneurship, having owned and operated Holden’s Enterprise, a chicken egg production farm in Osteen, Florida, where he raised his children. He returned to college at the University of Florida to complete his Poultry Science degree, graduating in 1983.
After relocating to Mt. Dora, Florida, he opened Century 21 Heritage Realty which he and Judy operated until their retirement in the late 90s. They then made their home in Crossville, Tennessee where they continued to refurbish and build homes together until they built their dream home where they planned to live out their lives together. Walt was proud to be past President of Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need.
With Walt’s Parkinson’s Disease advancing, they made the decision to return to Florida where most of their children lived in 2021. Judy expressed her continued devotion to Walt by being his caregiver, giving him comfort in his own home until his death.
Special thanks to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, family caregiver Jessica Triggs, chaplain Sam Mullen, social worker Nancy Bounds and so many, many more.
In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial donation to Cornerstone for Walter Holden. A letter will be sent to the family to notify them of your donation. Send to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778-9648. www.cshospice.org
