Remembering Philip Holder

First National Bank directors, officers, and staff are mourning the passing of Philip Wayne Holder, former chairman of Citizens Bank of Hartsville, Gallatin, and Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Mr. Holder was Chairman of the Board of Citizens Bank from 1986 until the bank was purchased by First National Bank in 2022. He remained an instrumental part of the team even after the acquisition and transition from Citizens Bank to First National Bank. "Philip Holder built a strong financial institution with strong bankers and great customers," said First National Bank Chairman Will Brewer. "During our acquisition process, it was evident that his leadership, business intellect, and natural feel for banking had contributed to building a strong business that made a great partner for our organization. We are still reaping the rewards of his work years later."

Joining the board of directors of Citizens Bank in 1973, Mr. Holder's career was distinguished as Chairman of the Board, as well as President of Cumberland Bancshares, Inc., a company he founded. He was also an accountant, entrepreneur, and lifelong farmer.

"The loss of Philip Holder stings because we not only lost a great businessman, but a great human-being, leader, and friend," said Brewer. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Hartsville community."

Outside of business, Mr. Holder was an avid golfer and supporter of the Tennessee Titans. He also loved visiting the beach, frequenting his favorite destination often, Santa Rosa, Florida. He is survived by his two sons, Chris Holder and his wife, Vitalina, and James "J.J." Holder; two grandchildren, Rhys and Ras Holder; a step-grandchild, Nikolas Yegorov; a brother, Stanley Holder and his wife, Vicki; and his life companion, June Crowell, along with her son Luke Crowell.

 

"Philip was a great friend, mentor, farmer, entrepreneur, banker, leader, and chairman of the board of Citizens of Bank," said First National Bank Tennessee Regional President and former Citizens Bank Senior Lender Randall Carter, "I know personally he made my life so much better just by being himself and letting me learn from him. He was a blessing to my life that I will never forget. We are all better for having Philip in our lives. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community."

First National Bank's Hartsville location be closed from noon on Thursday to 8:00 am on Friday to allow our staff to celebrate the life of Mr. Holder.

Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial for Mr. Holder are encouraged to contribute to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital in memory of him.