News Summary
The Dayton community is in mourning after the passing of local blues legend Mark ‘Porkchop’ Holder at age 52. His soulful performances left a lasting legacy, with family and friends gathering to celebrate his music and life. A memorial service is scheduled for March 16 at Valley View Chapel.
Dayton Mourns the Loss of Beloved Blues Artist Mark “Porkchop” Holder
Dayton is grieving today as we say goodbye to a musical gem, Mark “Porkchop” Holder, who passed away at the age of 52 on March 13, 2025, in his home. This vibrant artist was not only cherished in our local community but also left his mark on the blues scene across the United States and beyond.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on December 1, 1972, in the quaint town of Pikeville, Porkchop dedicated his life to his passion—music. He quickly became known for his soulful performances that spent hours captivating audiences both in local venues and during tours across Europe. His gritty guitar playing and heartfelt singing resonated with many, making Porkchop a neighbourhood favorite in Dayton.
Throughout his career, he blended modern and traditional blues, bringing an authentic and refreshing twist to his music. Whether performing in cozy bars or larger festivals, he had a unique ability to connect with his audience, delivering emotional and lively performances that many will remember.
Family Ties
Tragically, Porkchop’s passing comes with the sorrow of having lost both his father, Frank Holder, and brother, Larry Holder, prior to this momentous loss. He is survived by his loving mother, Bobbie Holder, and brother, Sid Holder, who must now navigate the empty space left by his absence. In addition to his immediate family, Porkchop is remembered by a cherished circle of relatives, including aunts Billie Westbrooks, Hakie Grisham, and Dora Couch, as well as uncles Heman Waddell and Carl Waddell, and a variety of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
A Final Farewell
Friends, family, and fans are invited to say their final goodbyes on Sunday, March 16, from 1-3 p.m. at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place in the chapel at 3 p.m., offering a time for everyone to reflect on the impact Porkchop had on their lives through his music.
Those who wish to express their condolences or share memories of this talented musician can do so at the website dedicated to honoring his life, which encourages stories and reflections from those who knew him or were touched by his music.
Remembering a Brilliant Talent
As the community gathers to celebrate the life of Mark “Porkchop” Holder, it is essential to remember the joy, laughter, and beautiful music he brought into our lives. Every strum of his guitar and every note he sang inspired many young musicians to chase their dreams and embrace the power of music. His legacy will undoubtedly live on, resonating in every cherished memory and each blues riff he filled the air with.
In his obituary, there is a touching message shared by his family, “Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mother Dear,” reminding us all that while he may no longer be with us, his spirit will always remain alive, especially in the hearts of his loved ones.
Final Thoughts
As we hold dear the memories of Porkchop, let us carry forward the essence of his music and the love he poured into every performance. In the face of such loss, let the Dayton community wrap around his family with love and support, reminding them they are not alone during this difficult time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Newcomer Dayton: Arthur Snyder Obituary
- Dayton Daily News: Lebanon Blues Festival
- Tinnitist: Albums of the Week – Jesse Dayton
- Rolling Stone: Jesse Dayton – Ballad of Boyd Elder
- Gem City Living: Goodbye to Summer Events
- Wikipedia: Blues
- Google Search: Mark Porkchop Holder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blues
- Google News: Blues Music Dayton
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
