Lin Honeycutt: A Life of Service, Hard Work, and Holiday Magic

By Grit Daily Staff Grit Daily Staff has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on March 21, 2025

Lin Honeycutt never set out to be in the spotlight. But through decades of hard work, faith-driven service, and a deep love for his community, he has built a name that resonates across Raleigh, North Carolina, and beyond.

At 67, he is the former owner of Honeycutt Transmission, the owner of The Holiday Light Store, and Fieldstream Farm, where he puts on one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the state. He is also a longtime volunteer, missionary, and disaster relief leader who has spent more than 30 years serving others.

“Faith isn’t just about what you believe,” Honeycutt says. “It’s about what you do with it.”

From Small Business to Community Icon

Honeycutt’s entrepreneurial journey started early. After earning an Associate Degree in Auto Technicians, he founded Honeycutt Transmission, a state-of-the-art repair facility that gained national recognition. His expertise in auto repair led to him being named one of the top ten technicians in the country, earning him a $10,000 award and a two-week vacation. He sold Honeycutt Transmission in 2019.

Despite this success, Honeycutt never let business define him. He saw work as a means to support his family, serve others, and pursue his passions. One of those passions? Christmas lights.

A Holiday Tradition That Started as a Hobby

For more than 25 years, Honeycutt has been at the helm of The Holiday Light Store, a Raleigh-based shop known for its high-quality holiday decorations. The Holiday Light Store has been in business for 21 years. But it was his personal Christmas display at Fieldstream Farm that turned him into a local legend.

What started as a simple light show in his front yard has grown into one of North Carolina’s most famous Christmas attractions. Today, his farm glows with over two million lights, synchronized music, and carefully designed holiday scenes. Families travel from all over to see the display, making it a cherished tradition. The Fieldstream Farm Christmas light show is not free — it is a mile-long drive-through show, costing $20 per car for up to eight people. There are tons of YouTube videos online showcasing the display.

Fieldstream Farm is also a major event venue, hosting more than 50 events per year, ranging from weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, celebrations of life, baby showers, and more. More information can be found on their website. In addition, Fieldstream Farm grows hay and eight acres of tobacco every year at its Angier location, surrounding The Holiday Light Store. The farm also has over 50 chickens and sells eggs.

Faith in Action

While many know Honeycutt for his holiday display, few realize the extent of his missionary work and disaster relief efforts. He was a Regional Coordinator for the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association (NCBM) for 19 years, traveling to more than 20 states and multiple countries to build homes, churches, and schools. He also served as the Brotherhood Director for the Raleigh Baptist Association (RBA) for 17 years. In 2021, he retired from both NCBM and RBA.

After Hurricane Katrina, Honeycutt spent months in New Orleans, helping families rebuild their lives. When a tornado devastated Wake County in 2011, he led volunteers to clear wreckage, repair homes, and provide aid.

“When people lose everything, they don’t just need a roof over their heads,” Honeycutt says. “They need to know they’re not alone.”

Due to declining health, he now participates in very few mission trips, but he continues to serve his community by regularly cooking for his church family.

Service, Family, and a Life Well-Lived

Despite his many commitments, Honeycutt always puts family first. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 34 years, and together they have raised two daughters and enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren.

His church life is tremendous — he has served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, Chair of Deacons, choir member, soloist, chairman of multiple committees, and head cook.

In his spare time, he collects classic cars, skis, and farms hay — a balance between work, passion, and relaxation.

“I love staying busy,” he says. “But the most important thing is making time for the people who matter.”

A Humble Vision for the Future

Even after decades of business, service, and community impact, Honeycutt isn’t slowing down. He continues to expand his Christmas display, support disaster relief efforts, and run his businesses with integrity.

“I don’t do any of this for recognition,” he says. “I just want to leave things better than I found them.”

For Raleigh and beyond, Lin Honeycutt is proof that faith, hard work, and a giving spirit can create something truly lasting.

Additionally, Honeycutt has been a longtime supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, demonstrating his commitment to giving back beyond his local community.

Tags
By Grit Daily Staff Grit Daily Staff has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Journalist verified by Muck Rack verified

Grit Daily News is the premier startup news hub. It is the top news source on Millennial and Gen Z startups — from fashion, tech, influencers, entrepreneurship, and funding. Based in New York, our team is global and brings with it over 400 years of combined reporting experience.

Read more

More GD News