E. Patrick Holbert

February 14, 2013
E. Patrick Holbert

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E. Patrick Holbert, 57 of Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully on Valentineís Day at Kindred Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL after an extended and complex illness. Born in Mills River, Patrick spent his formative years outdoors; hunting and fishing in the mountains he called home. His love of the sea led him to Florida where he lived the last 12 years with a perpetual tan, a fishing rod in his hand and sunshine in his heart.

Patrick graduated from UNC-Ashville in 1977 with a B.A. in Economics. It was there he met the love of his life, Sharon Whitaker who would become his wife of 35 years. Patrickís love of statistics and his ability to analyze and trouble shoot complex technical processes led him into a career in manufacturing Quality Assurance where he excelled in a variety of industries. His path began in Fletcher at TDM Corporation and then was hired as one of the initial 50 start-up employees when Rockwell International (now Arvin-Meritor) opened its Fletcher Facility. Patrick retired from Arvin-Meritor after 18 years in 2001 and moved to Florida where he continued to be successful as a Quality Assurance Manager working for boating leader Wellcraft, Inc., aero-space leader Seal Dynamics, and finished his career at Dooshan, Inc., a global leader in the manufacturing of water desalination plants. While at Dooshan, Patrick was responsible for writing the Quality Control Technical Manual for a desalination project installed at the American Embassy in Iraq.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, Patrick is survived by his daughter, Margaret Emily ìMaggieî Holbert who is a student at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. He is the son of Melba W. Holbert of Hendersonville and the late James E. Holbert. In addition he is survived by sisters, Janet H. Jones and husband Larry of Cramerton, NC and Joann H. Turner of Flat Rock; brother, J. Mark Holbert of Hendersonville, Lanny F. Holbert of Mills River; and eight nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville on Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.


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  • February 18, 2013
    Joan Gibson says:
    Sharon, I am holding you and your family very close to my heart during this time of grieving. Things do get better, it just takes time.. Keep in touch. Love, Joan

  • March 18, 2013
    Michael S. Dixon says:
    Was so sorry to hear of your loss. So glad that you have Maggie at this time. Let's catch up when things settle down. With deepest sympathy, Michael

  • March 01, 2013
    Community Foundation of Henderson County says:
    The Board and Staff of the Community Foundation of Henderson County wish to express deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Patrick Holbert on the sad occasion of his recent passing.

  • February 27, 2013
    Rick Boswell says:
    To Sharon and Janet, It was my great honor to meet Pat and both of you in Pat's final few days on this earth at Kindred Hospital. More importantly, to talk and help Pat to prepare for eternity by faith in God's Holy Promises! To be there and realize he had the Peace and Joy of God in his heart! I will treasure this memory until we meet again in Heaven! It is not good-by for us, but so long. I am praying for the entire family that he loved so much during this time. God bless you. Hold his memories tight! Your friend, Rick Boswell Outreach Pastor Community Bible Baptist Church, St Petersburg, FL

  • February 20, 2013
    Gretchen W. Williams says:
    Miss Melba and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Pat's death. Please know that you all are in our prayers. May God continue to give you His comfort and strength. In His Love, Gretchen W. Williams and her mother, Gladys Wirtz