Michael Gerald Holt

Michael Gerald Holt, 76, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away August 25, 2026. He was born November 16, 1949, in McCrory, Arkansas, to the late Gerald and Cecila Marlene (Haggard) Holt.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy, earning numerous awards and commendations including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, four Good Conduct Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and many more. He was an expert marksman with the M14/M16 and .45 caliber weapons and was an Aviation Warfare Specialist. His years in the Navy reflected qualities Michael carried throughout his life—dedication, courage, and a heart for serving others.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Michael continued a life of service through a career in law enforcement. He loved being a police officer and served for many years as Chief of Police. He was highly respected by his fellow officers and the public and believed strongly in treating people fairly. One of the roles especially close to his heart was protecting the students and staff at Harmony Grove Schools. For Michael, serving and protecting others was much more than a job; it was simply part of who he was.

As dedicated as Michael was to his work, he certainly knew how to have fun. He was a jokester through and through and loved picking on just about everyone he met. If Michael told you, “Hey, your shoe is untied,” you knew better than to look down—but chances are, you probably did anyway. Another favorite trick was to wait until someone had walked away, holler their name, and when they came all the way back, ask, “How far would you have got if I hadn't called you?”

Not even a medical procedure could stop Michael from having a little fun. While fully awake as a doctor was placing a pacemaker in his chest, Michael asked if, while he was working, he could also check out his “furniture disease called Chester Drawers.” The puzzled doctor stopped to ask exactly what “Chester Drawers” was. Michael was ready with the punchline: “It's where my chest has fallen to my drawers!” That was Michael. There was always a joke to tell, someone to tease, and a reason to laugh.

Michael loved horses and cowboy boots and was a member of Heaven's Trail Cowboy Church in Sheridan. His servant's heart also led him on several mission trips to Taos, New Mexico, where he helped the Pueblo Indian community in whatever way was needed. Whether he was building fences, constructing handicap ramps, or lending a hand with another project, Michael was willing to work. He was a giver, not a taker, and found great purpose in helping others.

For all the things Michael enjoyed and all the people he served, nothing was more important to him than his family. He loved them with his whole heart. Michael and his wife, Brenda, shared 46 years together and were so much more than husband and wife—they were truly best friends. They laughed together, had fun together, and simply enjoyed sharing life with one another. Brenda describes Michael and the life he lived beautifully: “Michael was happy and loved. He always loved back, just as big.”

Those words say so much about the man Michael was. He served his country, protected his community, helped those in need, loved his family fiercely, and made countless people laugh along the way. Michael was a fair man, a true servant, and someone who gave freely of himself. He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, generosity, and a love that was always given back “just as big.”

Michael was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores Holt; daughter, Michelle Westbrook; parents, Gerald and Cecila Marlene (Haggard) Holt; and brother, Phillip Holt.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife and best friend of 46 years, Brenda Holt; children, John Holt and Rosalind Holt; grandchildren, Stormy Westbrook, Destiny Stewart, and Joshua Stewart; great-grandchildren, Dustie, Max, Freya, Able, Bjorn, and Athena; siblings, John Grayson, Donna Wilson and husband Mike, and Francis Blasingame; best friend and pastor, Kevin Minyard; beloved grandpuppies, Dude and Apollo; and a host of family members and friends who loved Michael and will miss him always.

Services will be held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow at Mount Harmony Cemetery.  Assisting as pallbearers are Nick Dean, Jenceson Payte, Shawn Fullington, Pat Hawkins, Wayne Bean, Mark Kling, Matt Wooten, and Charles Lamb.  Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Corbin, Jerry Ivy, and Roney Welch.  

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.