Cyril Holderfield Jr.

Cyril was born on January 22, 1934, in Nashville, TN to Horace Cyril Holderfield, Sr. and Macie Alice Harbison Holderfield. As a child he was fascinated by trains and music. He was an accomplished pianist, organist, and accordion player for which he won an award. His love of trains would endure all his life, into his career and beyond.

He was a graduate of Vanderbilt University where he earned an Electrical Engineering Degree. While at Vanderbilt, Cyril was a part time sound engineer for WSM Television station in Nashville when TV was in its infancy and shows were broadcast live. He had the opportunity to work alongside many of Nashville’s legendary country music artists. While at Vanderbilt he joined the Army ROTC and continued after graduation during his time as an active Army Reservist. After marrying his wife, Caroline Robison Holderfield, he settled on a career at Louisville & Nashville Railroad and lived with his young family for many years in Louisville, KY. They moved to Jacksonville Florida as part of a corporate merger into what is now CSX Transportation. He worked for the railroad for 30 years before retiring in 1996. He also enjoyed a lifelong hobby of building model trains. Other hobbies he mastered and enjoyed were flying, where he earned an instrument rating, scuba diving and sailing. He was also an entertaining storyteller and anyone who knew him realized you better pull up a chair and sit for a while. His entire family adored his meticulous yet generous nature and sought his guidance in all aspects of life. He enjoyed life and loved traveling with his wife.

Cyril is survived by his beloved wife Caroline R. Holderfield, his children Dorothy Alice Gronert, (John), Daniel Robison Holderfield, 4 grandchildren, Sarah Caroline Lindsey (Emily), Joshua Daniel Sanford Tuthill (Lori), Rachel Leigh Lindsey (Jeremiah) and John Gronert III, 6 great-grandchildren, brother James “David” Holderfield and special family member Carol Tuthill.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 8th at 11:00 AM at Palms Presbyterian Church in Ponte Vedra, FL. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN at a later date.

Donations to Palms Presbyterian Music Program or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers is appreciated.