Mr. Holtz passed away in Chattanooga, Tn. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. He was born on Oct. 6, 1949 to Leo and Inez Holtz in Phoenix, Az. He was raised Southern Baptist. John studied at the University of Miami and Metro Dade Community College. He also graduated from Miami Military Academy, Broward Police Academy, and FLDC Academy. He put his college studies on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army in order to serve in the Vietnam War, enlisting on the day of his 20th birthday. He trained and served as a rotary wing pilot and flight school instructor. He piloted a Cobra attack helicopter, with his call sign being Cobra 13.
John’s career was extensive with the bulk of his work being in military and law enforcement. His work included: NRA Police Firearms Instructor, Sheriff's Deputy Miami - Dade County, Police officer - City of Hallandale Beach, Federal Police Officer - Miccosukee Indian Tribe, Marine Mechanic, and more. John lived in Miami and Madison, Fl., Alaska, Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. His work brought him near many interesting people over the years, such as Beatle Paul McCartney as well as the tribal community. He had a vast appreciation of Native American culture.
John enjoyed watching Fox News each and every day, hot coffee, fishing, gun collecting, reading, horticulture, hanging out in his man cave, listening to classic rock music, spending time on his computer, Farmville, hunting, outdoor building projects, the number 13, target shooting, camping, woodworking, going to the movies, eating dinner out with his wife, watching crime fighting shows, feeding the chickens who visited his kitchen door, shopping excursions, ancestry research, shooting off fireworks, cookouts, orchids, building guns, visiting historical sites and attractions, following politics, and having fun with his family. He could cook almost anything without a recipe, loved his many pets over the years, never turning a stray animal away. He was computer savvy, always working on his home computers starting years before it was common to have one. John flew the American flag over his homes and had a great love for his country. He was a tall, strong man who was a jack of all trades, could fix almost anything, having learned many skills from his diverse training throughout his career. John was called by his grandchildren Pap Pap or Papa John.
John lived through many challenging occurrences in his life, including the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, Hurricane Andrew demolishing his home in Miami, becoming a widower with children early in life, two types of aggressive cancer, and more. He had a laid back demeanor, was direct, generous toward others, a stickler for being punctual, had a strong sense of humor, and was boldly patriotic. John lived in the moment and enjoyed life.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Inez and Ludwig "Leo" Von Holtz; former wife, Kathleen Holtz; and sister in law, Jenay Bradford Benns. He is survived by his wife, Linda Holtz of Ringgold, Ga.; son, John Holtz (Clarissa) of Tallahassee, Fl.; daughter, Christy Holtz (Doug) of Panama City Beach, Fl.; stepdaughter, Tracie West Corbin (David) of Ringgold; stepson, Travis West of Ringgold; grandchildren: David and Justin Holtz, Jackson Corbin (Sonya), Lauren and Logan Corbin, Harper West, and Alyssa Blake (Angie Shepherd Blake); great grandchildren: Lola, Brayden, Tatum, Jhase, Kayzlyn, and Adalynn; niece, Angela Wilson (Matthew); cousins, Wendy and Cindy Rainer; longtime friend, Gilvard Lee West; and his beloved dapple dachshund, Sonny Blue Von Holtz.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 12 p.m. at the Ringgold Chapel, located at 443 Boynton Drive in Ringgold, Ga. A graveside service will follow the memorial. Graveside will be held at 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, located at 1200 Bailey Avenue in Chattanooga, Tn.
