Ernest Hillard Holt, age 86 of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday (9/28/2022) at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford.  He was born in Harnett County, son of the late George Hillard Holt and Vallie Rose Gunter Holt.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Henry Holt; sisters, Mary Lee Godfrey, Lola Holt Stone and Betty Godfrey; wife, Frances Mae Holt and his second wife, Nell Varner Holt.  Ernest was a Veteran of the United States Army.  Surviving are his daughters, Barbara Parker of Sanford, NC and Carolyn Pressley of Sanford, NC. Step-children, Sharon Ayers of Denton, NC. Richard "Ricky" Varner of Denton, NC and Jimmy Varner of Salisbury, NC. Brother, George Holt Jr of Tennessee Grandchildren, Heather Holmes and husband Wesley, Jonathan Parker and wife Kayce, Phillip Pressley and wife Jordan and Samantha Wentland and husband Brandon.  Step-grandchildren, Michael Loman, Valerie Varner Sharma, Clay Ayers, and great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Leah, Michaiah, Johannah, Jannah, Adah, Selah-Grace, Amelia, Harper, and Henry.  Graveside funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday (10/4/2022) at 2:00 pm at Broadway Town Cemetery with Rev. Wesley Holmes officiating.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.