Alonza "Buzzy" Wallace Holton Jr.

Born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina, Alonza (Buzzy) Wallace Holton Jr. was a lifelong member of the community he loved. He attended New Bern Senior High School and briefly continued his education at North Carolina State University, where he played football.

During his high school years, he met the love of his life, JoAnne Chance. They married young and shared 62 wonderful years together, building a life grounded in love, faith, family, and devotion to one another.

He spent much of his career working alongside his father-in-law at Chance Construction before establishing his own grading business. Through decades of hard work and dedication, he helped shape the landscape of New Bern. There were few corners of the city he did not know — or had a hand in building — and he took great pride in contributing to the growth of his hometown.

Among his greatest joys was hunting, particularly the time he spent cutting paths and clearings on his family’s land to invite wildlife in. He cherished the simple wonder of wildlife moving across the land every bit as much as the hunt itself. He was also known for his love of tinkering and fixing things. Rarely did something stay broken for long — and he was always quick to find a way to make things “better,” at least in his opinion.

After a courageous battle with lung cancer and complications from congestive heart failure, he passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 26, surrounded by the love of his family. His strength and determination were evident throughout his illness, as he fought hard and remained steadfast in spirit.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, deep roots in the community, unwavering commitment to his family, and his “Buzzy-isms.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnne Chance; his daughters, Jeri Lauer (Terry) and Sherri Montague (Bryant); his grandchildren, Caroline Lauer (fiancé Joseph Cooney), Josh Lauer, Braxton Montague (Marisa), and Lizzie Montague; his great-grandchildren, Holton Montague and Texanna Wells Montague; Bonus grandchildren, Stephanie Davies (Drew), Terry Lauer (Jasmine), Amanda Phillips (Tony), Kristin Allison (Rhett) and great-grandchildren, Katie Graham and Will Davies, Hartlee Lauer, Jenna and Karly Angel, Alison and Issac Phillips, Justice Lauer, Garrett and Bennett Allison; his sister-in-law, Celila Holton; and his nephews, Alex Holton (Geri), Mike Holton (Karen), Thomas Owens; and nieces Jan Matthews (Bob), Denise Goolsy and Judy Groet.

The family would like to express their appreciation for Craven County Hospice and care team Jessica Payne, Jessica Garrett, Yvette Daniels, Allie Smith, and Marketta Walker.

Services will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 4, at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation and reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church or Craven County Hospice.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Alonza "Buzzy" Wallace Holton Jr.