Vigil: John Holsonback, entire family remembered
A fatal wreck that claimed the life of John Holsonback and sent three of his siblings to an area hospital has left students, teachers, and the community in mourning for the Holsonback family.
The crash occurred April 3 at 1:57 p.m. at the insersection of Georgia highways 540 and 296 south of Stapletown, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
John Holsonback was a sophomore at Fannin County High School.
Friends gathered to remember John’s life, Wednesday, April 3, at a candlelight vigil on the Fannin County High school football field.
Hunter Satterfield, a student at Fannin High, began the somber occasion with a prayer after students and friends had silently gathered around lights that created the #52, John’s football team number, on the field.
Satterfield said, “I’ve known the Holsonback family my entire life, and John was like a sibling to me...He had such an impact on all our lives.”
After Satterfield made his statement, it opened up the field for others to speak and share the impact John had on each of their lives.
Jeremy Twiggs said, “I coached John in little league football....He was always there for his friends and teammates. John is someone we could all strive to be like..He understood loving our neighbor.”
Many stated that John was a Godly and loving friend including Kendra Newman who talked about how amazing John was.
Brody Paskill said, “Seeing them (John and his twin brother, Luke) in class everyday was a joy..You couldn’t be sad around them..They not only had an impact on the field but he (John) always brought a good spirit with him.” “I’ve seen the Holsonback twins together for the past two years, not seeing them together is going to be hard,” says Paskill.
Many in the community have grown up with the Holsonback family and formed a “family like” relationship with them. Bryson Mitchell said, “I grew up with him and he was always so kind....The whole family meant the world to me.”
Pastor Chan Mitchell gave encouragement to the students, pointing out that before they had entered the football field a rainbow hovered in the sky, reminding us of God’s promise. “We have so many promises we can stand on, the Bible says, to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord...Even though this is sad, this isn’t good-bye but until I see you again,” encouraged Mitchell.
Two of the other Holsonback siblings have been released from the hospital.
Visitation for John Holsonback was scheduled for today, Wednesday, April 10, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Akins-Cobb Funerals and Cremations with the funeral service to be held at the funeral home chapel Thursday, April 11, at 2 p.m.