Obituary of Rufus C. Holt Sr.

Rufus C. “R.C.” Holt, Sr., 83, a long time resident of Upper Deerfield Twp., passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023 at Cooper Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Mosheim, TN to the late Theodore Roosevelt Holt and Mary Lessie Semelcer Holt, he had been the husband of Pauline Shaw Holt for 63 years. He had been a Cumberland County resident all of his life. R.C. retired as the Building and Grounds Supervisor after over 20 years from Upper Deerfield Twp. Schools. Prior to that he had been a carpenter for over 25 years, working for Vic Hoephner. He was a Deacon and long time member of Cohansey Baptist Church. Mr and Mrs. Holt started their life duty mentoring young lives as Cub Scout Leaders of Pack #47 and Den #5. They then made the decision to open their home by being foster parents to many children. In his free time, he enjoyed scrapping metal, fishing, and taking family camping trips across the USA to American historical sites. R.C. Spent much of his time bonding with his sons while working on cars. He assisted his wife Pauline in construction projects for the “Cracker Jax” 4-H Club. He was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by; his wife, Pauline Holt of Upper Deerfield Twp.; his children, R. Christian Holt Jr. (Linda) of Bridgeton, R. Clayton Holt of Bybee TN, Angel L. Holt (Earl) of Newport, TN., Tammy D. Holt Ford (William) of Fairton, Bretton J. Holt (Heather) of Cape May, NJ, and Christina L. Holt DiPatri (Anthony); his grandchildren, Annie Holt Carver (Josh), Jason C. Holt, Rebecca C. Holt, Rachel C. Holt, Russell C. Holt Jr., Dennis Holt, Ryan C. Sutton, Samantha J. Holt, Nathan P. Ford, Donald A. Ford, William H. Ford III, Bradyn Bulifant, Jacin H. Holt, Elijiah J. DiPatri, and Peyton M. DiPatri; several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 22nd at 11 AM at the Cohansey Baptist Church, 714 Roadstown Rd. Bridgeton, NJ. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow at Cohansey Baptist Cemetery. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral homes website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.