Ernest E. 'Dooley' Holt, age 78, of Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey, died Monday, October 8, 2012, at his home following a brief illness. 

Born in Grassy Fork, Tennessee on May 23, 1934, he was the son of the late Ernest D. Holt and Velma 'E.B.' Rogers Holt and was the husband of Clara Clark Holt.  He had been an Upper Deerfield Township resident since coming to the area from his native Tennessee 60 years ago. 

Dooley was active in community affairs in Upper Deerfield through the years past and was currently serving on the Upper Deerfield Township Planning Board and the Township Environmental Committee.  Before his retirement he was a truck driver with the Service Motor Freight Company and the Blue Diamond Transport Company.  He also owned and operated the D & C Wholesale Company for nursery products with his wife Clara.

A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Holt served his country with the 101st Airborne Division during his service time.  He attended the Centerton Free Will Baptist Church in Pittsgrove Township. 

In addition to his wife Clara, he is survived by three daughters Darlene Cutshaw, Sharon (David) Swope and Laura Christina; a son, John (Jill) Holt; eight grandchildren Tiffany (Mike) Brown, Kate Cutshaw, Lindsay Swope, Phillip Pope, Nick Houchins and Drew, Riley and Courtney Holt; four great-grandchildren Jalee and Journey Brown, Jesse Swope and Lillianna Crespo; three brothers, Johnny (Lagatha) Holt of Greeneville, TN, Fred (Vickie) Holt of Cosby, TN and Edward (Linda) Holt of Upper Deerfield Twp.; a sister, Edith Owens of Nashville, TN and sisters-in-law, Jackie Holt of Newport and Ferria Sprouse of Upper Deerfield Twp.  He was predeceased by brothers Roger and Jerry Holt, a sister Bonnie Hudson, brothers-in-law Bill Owens and Rev. Paul Sprouse and a grandson, Jeremy Swope.  He is also survived by special canine companions Daisy Mae and Chica and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Padgett Funeral Home, 1107 State Highway # 77, Upper Deerfield Township on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.  Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Burial will take place at Centerton Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Pittsgrove Township.  Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements by Padgett Funeral Home.