Dannie Ray Holt

A Celebration of Life service for Dannie Ray Holt of Clarksville, TN, will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Fredonia Community Schoolhouse, with Brother Henry Hopson and Pastor Rick Cantrell officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home and again on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Fredonia Community Schoolhouse. A private family burial to be held at a later date.

Dannie Ray Holt, 74, a beloved husband, father, and pillar of the Clarksville community, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Clarksville in 1950 to George Daniel Holt, Sr. and Sarah Frances Gambill Holt, Dannie's life was deeply rooted in the land. He grew up on the family farm, a legacy dating back to 1892, where he developed a lifelong passion for agriculture.

A true innovator, Dannie pioneered the use of farm ethanol and integrated computer technology into the Tennessee dairy industry. His dedication to farming was recognized with the esteemed Tennessee Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year award.

Beyond his agricultural pursuits, Dannie built a successful career in real estate, founding Southeastern Realty after a distinguished tenure at Byers and Harvey. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to various ventures, including mortgage brokering, restaurants, and rentals. He also left a lasting mark on the local landscape through his land development projects, notably Sango Village and Pleasant View Village. 

Dannie's education included studies at Fredonia School, Clarksville High School, Austin Peay State University, and the Nashville School of Law. He also served his country in the United States National Guard.

A man of diverse interests, Dannie cherished his time on the farm, indulging in his "retirement golf game" – driving his tractors. He was an avid historian, a passionate traveler, and a dedicated follower of politics. Above all, he treasured time with his family.

Dannie was preceded in death by his parents, George Daniel Holt, Sr. and Sarah Frances Gambill Holt, and his siblings, Patsy Joyce Holt Knox and George Daniel Holt, Jr.

Dannie is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Melba Dean Rogers Holt, and their three children: Robert Miller (Indy), Tish Manning, and Dannie G. Holt (Brittany). He will be dearly missed by his seven grandchildren: Mary-Megan Wynea Turner (Steven), Chase Manning Miller, Anna Cristeen Miller, Jackson Ray Manning (Mallory), Jacob Holt Manning, Caroline Estelle Holt, and Andrew George Holt.

He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Holt Welch, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and his cherished dog, Yogi.

Dannie served his community as a former board member of the Clarksville Board of Realtors and Clarksville Academy. He dedicated his time as Chairman of the Board for Hickory Point Church and Hickory Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to Hickory Point Church 2200 Holt Road, Clarksville, TN 37043.