Homer Holdredge

Homer F. Holdredge, Jr., 89 of Cleveland, passed away Friday, December 18, 2009 at Sky Ridge Medical Center with his children by his side. He was a native of Loudon Co., but had resided in Cleveland since 1953. He retired from Bell South after 40 years of service. He served five plus years in the US Army, First Infantry Division where he participated in the invasion of North Africa in 1942, Sicily in 1943, and Omaha Beach at Normandy on June 6, 1944. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and the WWII Memorial French Metal.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland for 56 years. He was also a member of Cleveland Mason Lodge #134 F&AM, Harmony Chapter #143 OES and treasurer of AT&T TelCom Pioneers Life Members. He was passionate about his familys genealogy and was a member of the First Families of Tennessee and Sons of the American Revolution. One of his other passions was the University of Tennessee athletic program for which he volunteered his time and services for many years. He was presented the VASF Lifetime Service Award for outstanding Volunteer Service, April 21, 2001.

He was the son of Homer F. and Glynden Merrick Holdredge. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Gaynelle Jones Holdredge, two sisters, Mrs. Frank (May) Rose and Mrs. Thomas (Ruth) White. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Howard and Ginger Holdredge of Lafollette, TN and daughter and son-in-law Teresa and John Michael Flood of Cleveland. Five grand children, Shay Allred of Sunrise, FL, Tiffani Williams of Kingston, TN, Thomas Holdredge of Lafollette, TN, Henry Flood of Cleveland, TN and Heather Flood of Hermitage, TN and two great-grand children. One brother and sister-in-law Joe C. and Joyce Holdredge of Knoxville and one sister Sarah H. Crabtree of Loudon.

The family will receive friends Monday from 5 " 7 pm at Grissom Funeral Home with the funeral to follow. Graveside service will be Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 11 am at Roberson Cemetery, Loudon, TN

Pall Bearers are Thomas Holdredge, Henry Flood, Shay Williams, Jarrod Raley, Bill Creech, D. Gary Davis, Don Akins, and Cecil Parkinson.

Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee, 4450 Walker Blvd., Knoxville, TN.