12/11/2025
Charles W. “Charlie” Holt Jr., of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 shortly after 5:00 p.m.—his last full day of work. He was born on January 4, 1951 to Charles W. (“Big Charlie”) and Nell Holt. Charlie is survived by Martha, his wife of 52 years; his children Catherine (“Cassie”) Holt of Murfreesboro and Charles W. (“Trey”) Holt, III of Lawrenceburg; his sisters Nelda Graham of Old Hickory, Laura Haynes of College Grove, and Sara Jane Margraf (Bill) of College Grove; five nieces and nephews, Kenneth Smith (Brenda) of Murfreesboro, William Smith of Murfreesboro, Will Haynes of Murfreesboro, Natalee Estrin (Marc) of College Grove, and Rachel Haynes (Austin Cruse) of College Grove; eight great nieces and nephews, Jack and Charlee Haynes, Lynden and Griffin Estrin, Kori Outland, Brian Smith, Jennifer Fox (Craig), and Caley Smith; and his family at Boston, Holt & Durham.
Charlie spent nearly five decades practicing law and serving the people of Lawrence County and Middle Tennessee. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1973, Charlie briefly taught high school and coached football in Smyrna before attending law school. He earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1976 and was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1977.
He began his legal career in Smyrna but soon came home to raise his family and practice law with William E. “Bill” Boston in Lawrenceburg and became a central figure in the firm now known as Boston, Holt & Durham. Over the years, he built a reputation as a steady, principled counselor whose word carried weight in courtrooms, conference rooms, and around kitchen tables all over the community. He guided generations of families and businesses through some of their most important and difficult decisions.
Charlie’s service extended well beyond private practice. He served as County Attorney for Lawrence County for more than 30 years, helping to shape local government and providing quiet, steady advice through countless meetings, crises, and transitions. He was a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and an active member of the Lawrence County and Tennessee Bar Associations, reflecting the esteem of his colleagues across the state.
His commitment to community was equally evident as a member of the Downtown Church of Christ and later the Pulaski Street Church of Christ, and in his service as President of Christian Homes, Inc., where he worked to ensure that vulnerable members of the community were treated with dignity and compassion. Those who served with him remember his calm judgment, sense of fairness, and habit of putting people ahead of ego.
Beyond his professional accomplishments he was a devoted family man and friend. Charlie cherished time with his family and took pride in their lives and achievements. He was not one for being alone. He liked people too much for that. Charlie valued simple time spent at home, deep conversations, and visits with friends and clients who often became one and the same. He loved cheering on the Blue Raiders, spending time at the river with Martha, boat rides, ride-arounds, and being a lawyer.
He was unflappable, principled, and unfailingly courteous—a lawyer of the “old school” in the best sense of the phrase. Younger attorneys found in him a mentor who listened more than he spoke, led by example, and never forgot that the practice of law is, at its core, a profession to serve people.
Long before his legal career, Charlie left a different kind of mark at Middle Tennessee State University—one written in grit, sweat, and the respect of coaches and teammates. As a four-year starter for the Blue Raiders, he earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors three seasons and as an offensive lineman became a cornerstone of an OVC-leading rushing attack. Coaches consistently singled him out for his toughness and leadership. According to his coaches, he possessed “the size, quickness, toughness and experience of a tremendous lineman” and was one of the “building blocks in the construction of a good, strong, cohesive unit.”
Charlie’s play earned him recognition as a senior co-captain and First-Team All-OVC selection, one of only three MTSU players to receive that honor that season. He was also chosen as one of MTSU’s six “Most Outstanding Seniors,” an award recognizing student contributions across academics, leadership, and campus service.
Those who knew him later recognized the same qualities: steady, disciplined, team-focused, and unafraid of hard work. Football did not just give Charlie memories; it refined traits he carried into a lifetime of service to clients, colleagues, and community.
Charlie’s life leaves a lasting imprint on Lawrence County: in its public institutions, in the families and businesses he advised, and in the many friends who counted on his quiet wisdom.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 13, 2025. Interment will follow at Mimosa Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to the Christian Home or the Lawrence County Education Foundation. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.
