Aurelian Calhoun "Buddy" Holbrook

Our husband and father the Reverend Dr. Aurelian Calhoun “Buddy” Holbrook was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 3, 2021. He was met by his parents and eight siblings who had gone on before him. He was thirteen days shy of his 83rd birthday. Buddy lived a wonderful life. Due to his service aboard an aircraft carrier, his calling to the ministry, and his innate sense of adventure he traveled all over the world. He explored much of this continent, parts of South America, Russia, Thailand and India. The funny and heartwarming stories of his existence and experiences with those he encountered number the grains of sand on the beach. As a family we shared many of these travels. We trekked all over the United States, Mexico and Canada. He and his lovely wife spent time cruising through the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and went to the United Kingdom seeking out the roots of the Holbrook family tree. We laughed, explored and awed at natural wonders, crowded cities, isolated areas, sacred sites, historical landmarks, and many an oddity of roadside attraction. We met a varied collection of characters because he himself was one. He was a great student of learning and had a thirst for knowledge. He left high school and earned his GED in the Navy. He also held a Bachelors of Arts, a Masters of Religious Education, a Doctorate of Theology, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity. The lifelong quest for knowledge never ceased as he was continuously reading a book on a new or well studied subject. One of his most prized possessions was an Oxford English Dictionary bestowed upon him by his wife. Every Sunday he completed the New York Times crossword puzzle. His occupations and interests enabled him to live life fully. His calling was to be a teacher and a preacher. But he was also a builder, a photographer, and could sell ice to Eskimos. He was a licensed pilot, radio personality, author of multiple books, multi-media artist and gardener. If all the people whose lives were influenced by him, directly or through the ripple effect, were in attendance at this celebration we would have to meet at the Grand Canyon and it would still be overflowing! His wife of fifty-six years Becky, his daughter Sallie Grace and son Jon will continue to enjoy the beautiful world we live in and will create exciting memories we will tell him of one day. He instilled in those around him a sense of wonder to know the universe. His greatest desire was to promote a deeper understanding of the Bible and to cause everyone to seek the truth for themselves. A celebration of life will be held Sunday January 10th, 11am at his church Grace Baptist (also known as Sunset Memorial), 19 Sudlow Lake Road, Graniteville, SC. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Grace Baptist Church or the charity of your choosing. However you decide to express your time with Buddy please do so in a way that honors your relationship with him and continues to make the world a little brighter through your actions, thoughts and expressions so that his legacy may live on. Thank you.