Buford Cantrell Holt
1910-2001
The Life of Buford C. Holt
Buford Cantrell Holt was born at Veto, Alabama, on August 10, 1910. He obeyed the gospel in 1924, being baptized by James C. Dixon, a decision that set the course for a lifetime of preaching and service in the Lord’s church. On December 20, 1936, he married Corrie Frances Garrett (1911-2002), who stood by his side throughout his ministry. They were blessed with two children: a daughter, Sarah Jeanette (later Taylor), and a son, Buford Reid.
Holt began preaching in 1931 in the Pettusville community in Limestone County, Alabama. He pursued formal training at David Lipscomb College and Vanderbilt University, sharpening both his biblical knowledge and his ability to teach. Over the years he worked with several congregations: East Side in Cleveland, Tennessee (1942–1947); Central in Memphis, Tennessee (1947–1951); Crescent Heights in Tyler, Texas (1951–1952); Highland Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee (1954–1955); Bybee Branch in McMinnville, Tennessee (1957–1963); and later the church in Greenville, South Carolina (beginning in 1963). Wherever he labored, he is remembered as a capable preacher and a steady, thoughtful worker in the kingdom.
In addition to his local work, Holt’s influence spread through the printed page and the airwaves. He served as a staff writer for Way of Truth and contributed articles to the Gospel Advocate. He authored several books, including From Darkness to Light (first printed by Billy Norris in 1953, later reprinted by C.E.I. in 1958), Short Course in Teacher Training (C.E.I., 1958), and a mimeographed volume titled Elders, Their Work, Qualification and Esteem. His interest in Bible teaching led him to conduct teacher training courses for various congregations and to assist with “Training for Service” programs, notably in Pikeville, Tennessee. For three years in McMinnville, Tennessee, he also served as chairman of the building and grounds committee for a Training for Service series.
Holt’s preaching was not confined to one region. He devoted much effort to mission work, especially in East Tennessee and in mission meetings across Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. He took advantage of radio at a time when it was a powerful evangelistic tool, speaking over more than thirty stations. He was frequently invited as a speaker and panelist on lectureship series at Alabama Christian College (now Faulkner University) and David Lipscomb College (Lipscomb University), further extending his teaching influence.
In his later years, his permanent contact address was listed as Loree Holt, Route 3, Elkmont, Alabama, tying him back to his North Alabama roots. After decades of faithful service as a gospel preacher, writer, and teacher, Buford C. Holt passed from this life on November 17, 2001. He was buried in Hodges Cemetery in the Pettusville community of Limestone County, Alabama, near the area where his preaching had first begun. Within six months of his passaing, Corrie Garrett followed him in death on May 5, 2002, and was buried by his side.
-Scott D. Harp, 11.08.2025.
Sources: Preachers Of Today, Vol. 3, p.200.
Directions To Grave
The Hodges Cemetery is located in the very north of Limestone County, Alabama. Take I-65 to the Exit 365 - Elkmont and head west on Upper Elkton Rd. Very soon you'll need to turn right on Shipley Hollow Rd. Go about 6 miles and turn right on Pettusville Rd. Go about a mile. Turn left on Spence Cave Rd. You will see the cemetery ahead. The Holt family plots are toward the rear of the cemetery. The actual GPS location of the grave is below.
GPS Location
34°58'34.2"N 86°56'53.6"W
or D.d. 34.976158,-86.948228
HOLT
Buford Cantrell - August 10, 1910 - November 17, 2001
Corrie Garrett - June 4, 1911 - May 5, 2002
Photos Taken 03.14.2024
Webpage produced on 11.08.2025
Courtesy Of Scott Harp
www.TheRestorationMovement.com