My beloved husband departed this life to his reward at the foot of our Lord on February 12, 2017. We are all comforted at the knowledge that he is happy in his new home. His son has returned home.

Willie Holmes was born in Colleton County to the late Sarah Smith Holmes on November 9th 1930. He was the oldest living of his six siblings.

He was baptized at St. Mary A.M.E. Church Green Pond, South Carolina. This coming July he would have celebrated 60 years of Marriage to Betty Laura Holmes.

Willie was known to his family as “Uncle LD”, whatever you asked him for if he had it, he would give it. Never known to be angry or upset for more than a minute. A man who loved life and lived it. 

He moved to New York in 1953 where he worked for London Terrance. He retired in 1995 and returned home to Green Pond in 1997.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Ulysses Edwards (Rose) and Solomon Holmes; sisters, Rena Holmes, Ida Steward (James) and Mamie Richards (Mike).

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Betty Holmes; children, Anthony Holmes, Avery Holmes (Lena), Laurie “Nancy” Erskine (Antonio) and Troy Holmes; brother, Alfred Holmes (Minnie) of Bronx, NY; sister, Lillie Richards (Isaac) of Bronx, NY; grandchildren, Toni “TJ” Malcolm, John and Nora; sisters-in-law, Deloris Goss, Carolyn White, Mamie Murrell, Willie Ann Doyle, Mae Ethel White, Theta Washington, Juliette White and Josephine Barrett and  host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.