Jack Eugene Holder

Jack Eugene Holder, 81, of Counce, TN passed away May 10, 2024. Jack was born on March 18, 1943 in Gaffney, SC, grew up in Mooresboro, NC and attended High School in Boiling Springs, NC where he played basketball. Jack was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, NC and an avid Wolfpack fan. Upon graduating from NC State in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in Pulp and Paper Technology, Jack began his career as an Engineer at the Packaging Corporation of America Counce, TN Mill. During his career at the mill which spanned over four decades, Jack was provided with the opportunity to work in a variety of challenging positions, all of which he loved. At the latter part of his career, Jack was promoted to Mill Manager, a position that he held for many years. Jack represented pulp and paper manufacturers for two terms on the Tennessee Forestry Commission, served on the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Board and on the Jackson State Community College Board, and was a member of the NC State Board. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Ben Avery Holder and Juanita Elizabeth Ruppe Holder. He is survived by Insa, his wife of 43 years; two step-children, Maurice Barlow of Counce, TN and Rev. Sabine Collins (husband Dennis) of Knoxville, TN; his aunts Iris Lee Ruppe Jackson and Dorothy (Dot) Ellen Ruppe Whisenant; along with many cousins and friends whom he cherished and loved. He was a member of St. Peter’s by the Lake Anglican Church in Counce, TN. 

The family will receive friends at 3 PM on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 10645 TN-57, Counce, TN. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 4 PM and will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Fred Ellrich. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, (https://www.v.org). The V Foundation for Cancer Research was established by ESPN and Jimmy Valvano who was the coach for NC State when they won the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1983. Jimmy Valvano and Jack were kindred spirits because they both approached life with the mindset to “never ever give up”!