On June 8th, 2026, Chad Taylor Holifield peacefully passed into Heaven and into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Chad was born to Hudie Charles and Nadene Kennemur Holifield on January 23, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama. Even though Mississippi wasn’t his birthplace, it has been his home since childhood.

Chad grew up as his dad's best buddy. Their bond was built on excitement, thrills, and a love of exploring the world together. They shared countless adventures—from flying airplanes to riding motorcycles to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to enjoy the famous airshow sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Influenced by his dad, Chad learned to fly and completed the Hinds Community College program in airplane mechanics earning his certificate as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

Chad's personal relationship with the Lord was the foundation of his life and guided him in all that he did. Working alongside his dad in ministry held a special place in Chad’s heart and led to memorable experiences, including trips to Cuba. From an early age, he enjoyed operating the sound system during church services, whether his dad was preaching or a special guest speaker or musician was visiting.

Chad was a major foodie; he was always searching for the best restaurants and experimenting with new recipes. His love of cooking and eating led to his involvement in food service through Applebees, Outback, Sysco Food Services, and the former Atlanta Braves stadium in Pearl. Homemade pizza was one of his favorite meals, and he considered that dish suitable for any time of the day or night! He and his dad frequently visited their favorite restaurant, Eslava’s Seafood Grille, two to three times a week where Chad would order the Cajun Crawfish Pasta almost every time.

After Chad’s 2014 marriage to his wife, Kimberly Claire Pitre Holifield, he worked for his father-in-law with Pitres’ Environmental Services. In July of 2016, he and Kim welcomed their son, Carsen Taylor Holifield.

Carsen was his pride and joy, the light of his life and the source of his greatest happiness. Nothing made him prouder than watching him grow, learn, and flourish, and he treasured every memory they created together. Chad thoroughly enjoyed family vacations, especially spending time in the arcade and racing go-karts with Carsen.

Chad’s widespread talents and interests included working on guns and running N-scale model trains. As an avid firearms collector he spent many years working as a gunsmith at trade shows. He also had a deep love for trains. One of his favorite pastimes was taking his son, Carsen, to the train yard, where they spent hours watching the trains pass by. Chad also enjoyed painting model trains and building structures for his model railroad layout. One of his creations is currently on display at the TrainTastic Museum in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Preceding Chad in death are his grandparents, Hudie Alton Holifield, Gaynelle Otis Holifield, Martha Opal Kennemur, and Edward Elijah Kennemur; his Uncle Howard Holifield; his Aunts Joyce Lynn and Bette Rogers; his cousin Baleigh Lynn; and his brother, Brodie Lee Holifield.

Now honoring Chad’s memory are his wife and son, Kimberly and Carsen Holifield; his father and mother, Hudie Charles and Nadene Holifield; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Pamela Pitre; his brother, Jay (Sharon) Holifield; his sisters, Andrea (Joey) Coleman and Deanna (Fonzie) Garcia; his sister-in-law, Katie (Steven) Jones; his brothers-in-law, Cody Pitre, Cameron Pitre, Christian (Megan) Pitre, and Caleb (Kimberly Grace) Pitre; and his Aunt, Ann (Louis) Griffith; Nieces and nephews: Amber Nicole Hipkins, Brodie Alton Holifield, Dallas Marie Holifield, Abigail Rose (John) Macoy, Isabelle Rose (Isaac) Barragan, Gabriel Charles Garcia, Anna Kate Jones, Abigail Jones, Adaline Jones, Elsie Jones, Evie Jones, Issac Jones, Steven Jones, Susie Jones, Comfort Jones, Justice Jones, Emery Rose Pitre, Wilder Rhodes Pitre, Oakley Sage Pitre, and Felicity Joy Pitre; Great niece: Blair Estella Barragan; Great nephews: Brendan Hipkins, John Newland Macoy; Cousins: Brenda (John) Armstrong, John Landon (Stevie) Armstrong, Chanda Joy Armstrong, Braden James Armstrong, John Brody Armstrong, Brilee Renee Armstrong, Brandon (Angie) Lynn, Hunter Lynn, Brianna Lynn, Michelle Shannon, Brandi Shannon, Riki Shannon, Eric Rogers, Mark (Tammy) Griffith, Cynthia Griffith, Sherry Caviness, Lindsey Caviness, Lonnie Caviness, Alicia Griffith, Amanda (Vince) Gatlin, Wakefield (Braci) Gatlin, Kason Gatlin, Kolton and Kasey Gatlin, Kim (Wayne) Brewer.