It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Cecil Holt. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, shortly after midnight, Cecil finally “officially retired” on this side of Heaven at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife of 66 years, Lucille, and his children. We are heartbroken, but we find peace knowing we will see him again.
Cecil C. Holt, Jr. was born on October 28, 1938, in Ambrose, Georgia, to the late Cecil Claude Holt and the late Lillie Bordeux Holt. He married his sweetheart, Lucille Mancil on June 21, 1959, and through the course of their 66-year marriage they raised 4 children and poured love and devotion into a large and happy family.
Cecil founded Holt’s Bakery, Inc. in 1965, pouring his heart and soul into a business that two generations later still carries his name. Many of you know his work ethic was unmatched, but some may not know that 30 years ago, he was given only a single-digit chance of survival after a major heart attack. The Lord mercifully spared him then, granting us three more decades of his wisdom and wit. He retired from the bakery shortly after his heart attack. Even in retirement, Cecil never stopped creating. Whether it was the Nut Wizard, the Corn Creamer, a Children’s Book or his next big idea, he lived by a “never give up” code.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife Lucille Mancil Holt; one daughter, Lucinda Ann Holt Spivey and husband Paul of Douglas, Georgia; three sons: Dewayne Holt and wife Debbie of Douglas, Georgia, Lloyd Holt of Douglas, Georgia, and Howard Holt and wife Kathy of Ambrose Georgia; eleven grandchildren: Marshall and wife Jessi Spivey, Garrett and wife Kacey Spivey, Kyle and wife Noemi Holt, Melissa and John Ott, Heather and Kevin Carter, Robert Hypes, Stephen and Jennifer Sears, Justin Holt, Ryan Holt, Andrew and Charity Holt, Alex and Houston Holt; twenty-five great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Along with his parents, Cecil Claude and Lillie Bordeux Holt, Cecil was proceeded in death by five brothers: Dewey Holt, Johnny Holt, Orman Holt, Earlie Holt, Allie Holt; along with four sisters: Wilamae, Hazel, Beatrice, and Linda.
Cecil’s family will receive friends on Sunday evening, February 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Eastside Baptist Church. His funeral will be held on Monday morning, 11:00 AM at Eastside Baptist Church. Memorialization by cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Eastside Baptist Church in Cecil’s honor.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Cecil’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Cecil’s final arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.