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“The Hampton Hammer Goes Home”
On Saturday, July 15, 2023, David Charles Holtsclaw, 84, crossed the Jordan to enter into his heavenly home. A native of Carter County, he was born on April 3, 1939 to William E. Holtsclaw and Emma Gates Holtsclaw, who preceded him in death, as well as two brothers, Bill Holtsclaw and Edwin Holtsclaw, and one brother-in-law, Tim Cochran.

The family left to cherish him include his wife of 56 years, Patricia Cochran Holtsclaw; two sons, Dr. John David Holtsclaw (Suzanne), Alex Justin Holtsclaw; one daughter, Stacie Anne Waugh (Darrell); granddaughters, Rachael Holtsclaw, Jessica Holtsclaw, Olivia Holtsclaw, Sydney Waugh; two brothers, Raymond Holtsclaw (Johnnie), Kenneth Holtsclaw; one brother-in-law, Larry Cochran (Terri); sister-in-law, Deb Cochran; and nieces and nephews, Matt Holtsclaw (Raven), Emily Orsburn (Wade), Kim Holtsclaw, Keith Holtsclaw (Angelia), Kelly Holtsclaw, Keri Miller (Mark), Rachel Clemons (Tom).

David graduated from Hampton High School in 1957 where he was a natural athlete, participating in track, basketball, and football. His exploits included a 303 yard rushing game, a record which stood for 55 years, and rushed for 1,400 yards as a senior, becoming the Bulldogs’ first 1,000 yard rusher. In 1958, David answered his nation’s call to duty, serving in the United States Marines, where he played for three years of military base football, including two undefeated seasons at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Semper Fi! After his military service, David then returned home to join the ETSU Buccaneers. With his refined battering style and his explosive running game, he earned numerous honors, to include: All Ohio Valley Conference, (3 years), All American in his junior year, four year starter, four year Letterman, ETSU Co-Captain, 1965. During his years as a Buccaneer, he displayed a passion for winning, an unwavering dedication to his teammates and coaches, and a commitment to athletic excellence. In recognition of his accomplishments, in 2019, he was inducted into the East Tennessee State University Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013, David was inducted into the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame, joining other Carter County standout athletes.

David served as an assistant coach at Elizabethton High School for two years, an assistant at Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, Va., for one year where they achieved an undefeated season, and then accepted the head coaching position for three years posting a winning record. He went on to coach one year at Augusta Military Academy, in Fort Defiance, Va., before returning to Tennessee to coach at David Crockett High School, with two back to back winning seasons. After coaching, he went into land development for several years and then he established and operated the Hemlock Nursery, along with his son, Alex, where he enjoyed growing countless fields of trees and seedlings until his retirement. He was a member of the East Tennessee Nursery Association, the Doe Valley Hunt Club, was active in politics, athletics, and community activities.
When it came to recreational sports, he tried it all. From fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to hunting in Canada, Maine and the swamps of North Carolina, boating, skiing, motorcycling, and hiking, he loved it all. He especially enjoyed bear hunting with his brother, Raymond.
David was an active member of the Valley Forge Christian Church. He lived his life with a deep love for his family, friends and faith in God. His legacy will continue……Papa, you will be missed!

Receiving of friends will be on Wednesday, August 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. The service is to follow at 7 p.m., with David Siebenaler officiating. Active pallbearers will be Dr. John Holtsclaw, Alex Holtsclaw, Raymond Holtsclaw, Ken Holtsclaw, Matt Holtsclaw, Darrell Waugh, Larry Cochran, C.B. Cornett and Willie Setzer. Honorary pallbearers are the ETSU football team members of 1962-65, Coach Pete Wilson, Gertrude Cox of the Buladeen Grocery, Chris Mathes, Len Dugger, Pat Ramsey, Joe Fortune, Junior Hoilman, Gene Carrier, Bernie Lewis, Chad Tipton, Mickey Taylor, Kirby Taylor, Tommy Campbell, Melvin Estep, Gary Morrell and Glen Morrell. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Moulton and Angela Capps at SOFHA for their compassionate care throughout the dementia journey with David, as well as the VA for the many ways they extended their services, and the dear friends who lifted us up in prayer along this pathway. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy, P. O. Box 1147, Elizabethton, TN 37643, or Isaiah 117 House,1705 State Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

The graveside service will take place at the Pavilion at The VA at Mountain Home on Thursday, August 3, at 11 a.m. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. Thursday. Words of comfort can be sent to the Holtsclaw family through our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 542-2232, is honored to serve the family of Mr. David Charles Holtsclaw.