James William "Buddy" Holderfield

James William “Buddy” Holderfield, age 73, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away on December 8, 2025. A lifelong resident of Gadsden and Hokes Bluff, Buddy was born on October 25, 1952, and attended Emma Sansom High School. He faithfully served his country for three years in the United States Marine Corps.

Buddy was an avid deer hunter who loved the outdoors, his family, and his community. For 15 years he drove Entertainer Coaches with Howard Leasing, a job he took great pride in. He cherished time spent with his family and will be remembered for his loyalty, work ethic, and the love he showed to those around him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Hazel (Jones) Holderfield; stepmother, Willie Jo Holderfield; brothers, Aubrey, Barry, and Danny Holderfield; sisters, Shirley Barnes and Carolyn Owen; and his son, James Lee Holderfield.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Debra Holderfield; his children, Scott (Brianna) Holderfield, Brandi (Jason) Woodward, and Celeste (Matt) Bobo; grandchildren, Kirsten (Cyle) Butenhoff, Abby (Drake) Stewart, Gavin Holderfield, Crimson Holderfield, Lane Holderfield, Shelby (Josh) Harrington, Maggie Woodward, Jaycee (Daniel) Bolton, Leland Bobo, and Faith Bobo; and great-grandchildren, Thomas Harrington, Eden Stewart, and Scotty Bolton.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Beck, Gavin Holderfield, Drake Stewart, Daniel Bolton, Leland Bobo, and Craig Tuckerman.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Matt Griffith and Richard Bruce will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley #2 Cemetery in Collinsville, Alabama.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Cherokee County Health and Rehab, and to the nurses on the 3rd floor CCU at Riverview Regional Medical Center, for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Buddy’s final days.

Buddy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.