Dennis Holt CHARLESTON - The Horatio Alger Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Dennis Holt, a trailblazer in the media industry, generous philanthropist and Member of the Horatio Alger Association. Mr. Holt was born to Swedish immigrants in Minnesota near the end of the Great Depression. When he was just 12, his father suffered a debilitating heart attack and never worked again, leaving the family in financial distress. Determined to provide for his family, Mr. Holt started delivering newspapers and stuffing envelopes to make ends meet while simultaneously surrounding himself with motivational quotes and new vocabulary words to propel his education. Education became a powerful outlet and a source of hope for Mr. Holt. When his father told him he was on his own after graduation day, he took it in stride. With a baseball scholarship to the University of Southern California, he persevered, earning a degree in public administration. After college, Mr. Holt began his storied career in television sales. He launched and later sold U.S. Media, a media buying service that launched a $20 billion industry. In 1970, he founded Western International Media, which grew to become the largest media management company in North America, fundamentally shifting the country's advertising landscape and creating a $200 billion industry. Even after selling Western in 1995, his entrepreneurial drive remained, and in 2004 he founded U.S. International Media, where he served as chairman and CEO. Committed to giving back, Mr. Holt co-founded AdRelief, a charitable organization dedicated to helping people during times of crisis. He was also a founding member of Rebuild LA, which focuses on supporting low-income families rebuild or relocate their homes after civil unrest. Mr. Holt's legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and remain deeply appreciative of his support and dedication to our mission and Scholars.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jul. 12 to Jul. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Holt

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel.

12 Entries

Richard Jacobs

July 5, 2025

Barry Jacobs´ family sends its condolences. We are so sorry for you loss. He was a good man.

Pat (Pritchett) Sophy

July 2, 2025

There´s only one DFH. They should name the block between LaCienega and Alta Loma on Sunset for him.

He was the best.

Thomas Rivers

June 30, 2025

Dennis will be sorely missed! He always treated everyone he met like they were the only person in the room. We had a special bond and I am a better man for it.

Jean Craig

June 30, 2025

Much love to the family. Dennis was a grand personality and a huge asset to Kresser/Craig for many, many years. He introduced me when I was a kid to Perinos . The beginning of so much more. Jean Craig

Charleston

June 30, 2025

Dear, sweet Brooks and Ashley, my heart is breaking for you as you endure the loss of `the amazing Dennis´. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. He was such a lovely man and always enjoyed teasing me about my southern accent. I will miss him. Please stay in touch.
Much love, Teresa

Bill Vogel

June 29, 2025

I send my condolences and Brooks and Dennis´s fabulous family. We first met and started a friendship and working relationship that lasted until now. We spoke a few months ago and I look forward to the annual holiday cards. "Uncle Dennis" will be fondly remembered and surely missed by all who knew him. His little black "Rolodex" book must be enshrined in the Advertising Hall of Fame. Bon voyage, dear friend.

Dan Cassidy

June 29, 2025

Miss you. Thank you for the lifetime of happy memories

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Franklin

June 29, 2025

To the family of Dennis Franklin Holt:
We lost a husband, father, grandfather, corporate leader and my greatest friend.
But Heaven gained an Angel who has his wings.
-Bobby Franklin & Family

Carol Gwenn

June 29, 2025

TO Brooks, Clay, Alexis & Ashley & all the kidlets: I send hugs & a thought,
nothing earth-shaking but simple: although we've lost Dennis' presence on
earth, we've gained an angel, for surely he'll be granted that status upon his
arrival in the hereafter. I like to think of him looking down on all of you &
smiling, knowing you'll all be together someday.
All good thoughts to you & hoes that your grief will be tempered by the know-
ledge that you had the great gift that was Dennis in your lives.

Sending love to you all,
Carol Gwenn