William Andrew Andy’' Holston Obituary (1928 - 2013)

William Andrew (Andy) Holston, Glasgow, Kentucky, passed away July 26, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky following a brief illness. He was born May 14, 1928 in Macon, Georgia to Francis Alexander Holston and Mary Elizabeth Post Holston. He was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in 1946 where he played trombone in the marching band. He later attended Mercer University in Macon. Mr. Holston met his future wife, Bette Thaxton of Jackson, Georgia, in 1948 and they were married on September 2, 1949. After marrying, Mr. Holston began a 20 year post as City Gas Engineer. He was a member of the Georgia National Guard for 21 years and retired with the rank of Major. A community leader, he served on many boards including the Sylvan Grove Hospital Board, which oversaw the construction of the county's first hospital. A devoted follower of Christ since age 15, Mr. Holston was known as a spiritual mentor to many people and a learned teacher of the Bible. He pastored churches in Georgia and Indiana. In 1965, he and his family served as missionaries in So Paulo, Brazil where he supervised the building of a youth center, doing much of the manual labor himself. After returning to Georgia, he worked as a regional engineer for Ashland Oil until his retirement in 1990. In 2003, Mr. Holston, along with his wife Bette, moved to Glasgow, KY to be in closer proximity to family. Even at the age of 85, he lived an active life--gardening, building, reading, and, most important to him, sharing his Faith. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bette, and his three daughters and their families: Maria Marrs (the late Dr. William Marrs) of Glasgow, KY and their children, Billy Marrs (Cheryl) of Lexington, KY and daughter, Katherine Trivisonno; Benji Marrs (Missy) of Lexington, KY and children, Andrew and Mary Keene, and Dr. Brock Marrs (Ravin) and children, Liam and Evelyn Grace of Lexington, KY; Andrea Bogard (Dennis) of Jeffersonville, IN and their children, Denny Bogard (Julie) of West Chester, OH and children, Phoenix, Faith, and Christian, and Amy Alley (Josh) of Bloomington, IN and children Jarrin and Ella; and Kristina Schindler (Joe) of Nicholasville, KY and their children, Jennifer Powell of Nicholasville, KY and children, Lauren, Luke, Brooklyn, and Blake, Karen Schindler of Washington DC and son Alex, and Jessica Taylor (Jeremy) of Cadiz, KY and children Riley and Parker. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Fran Holston (the late Dr. Francis Holston) of Atlanta, Georgia and Sylvia Coleman (Doug) of Lafayette, Georgia and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Holston was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Dr. Francis Holston of Jackson, Georgia. Mr. Holston chose cremation. Interment will follow at Jackson City Cemetery, Jackson, Georgia. A. F. Crow funeral home is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life and memorial service is planned for a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to 'The Mailbox Club' (a non-profit, non-denominational, organization which prints and distributes Bible study lessons for children and youth around the world). Donations may be mailed to 'The Mailbox Club', 404 George Eager Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31602.