Franklin "Buddy" Delano Holder

Franklin “Buddy” Delano Holder, 86, of Lillington, passed away, Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC. 

Franklin was born May 13, 1938 in Harnett County, NC to the late Leslie Carson Holder and Callie Mae Black Holder.   He was a graduate of Boone Trail High School and later served four years in the U.S. Navy. 

On July 1, 1965, Franklin began working at Harnett County School Bus Garage as a mechanic.  He was promoted to Shop Foreman in 1975 and held that position until 1986.  He accepted the position as Transportation Director at the Lenoir County School Bus Garage in 1986.  Later he returned to Harnett County as Transportation Director in 1995.  Like all pupil transportation personnel, Franklin always put safety of the children first. 

Franklin served as President of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association in 1991 – 1992.  He also served in other positions in the Association on the state and District level.  Franklin was the Boone Trail Board of Directors President for Boone Trail Emergency Services from 1998 until present.  He was a member of Woodside United Methodist Church in Lillington, NC.  Franklin enjoyed NASCAR racing and spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Holder; sisters, Elizabeth Currin, and Nancy McNeill.

Franklin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura Holder; daughter, Tonya Holder Norman and husband, Eddie; sisters, Lenora Morrison, and Vivian “BB” Stephenson; brother, James Holder; two grandchildren, Lauren Banker and husband, Chase, Carson Gannon; two great grandchildren, Holt Banker, and Blaire Banker.

A funeral service will be held 2pm Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Woodside United Methodist Church, 5515 Spring Hill Church Road, Lillington, NC 27546.  Burial will follow the service at Spring Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends 1:00pm – 1:45pm prior to the service at the church.     

Memorials may be made to Woodside United Methodist Church. 

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