Mr. Richard Lee Holmes Jr.

Richard L. Holmes Jr. was born on November 7, 1933 in Bastrop, Texas to Richard L. Holmes Sr. and Mattie B. Holmes. Mr. Holmes left this Earth peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2022, in Jackson, Michigan under the loving care of his family and hospice after a short illness. Mr. or Brother Holmes, as he is fondly remembered, was a hard-working, God-fearing man who truly loved his wife and family. He was a proud graduate of the Class of 1950 of Jackson High School and participated in football and track. He kept an immaculate yard that remained free of footprints for many years.

Mr. Holmes also maintained a beautiful vegetable garden until his health declined in later life. During his working years, he was employed by Sears and Roebuck, 1951-1953, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 1953-1984, without ever missing a day of work. His last job before retirement was for the Jackson Public Schools Department of Transportation from 1984-2005. Mr. Holmes proudly served in the United States Army as a military policeman from 1954-1956 and was honorably discharged from the service after serving in the Korean Conflict. While in the Army he was a catcher for the fast-pitch softball team on his base and was quite good. Mr. Holmes was an active member of the Jackson community throughout his entire life. He served as a coach with Little League football and baseball and the YMCA Church Basketball League. He also served as a Cub Scout leader, Little League baseball umpire, and a Jackson City Special Policeman who helped integrate the public schools.

Mr. Holmes was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Holmes loved sports and enjoyed playing games which brought out his competitive side. Whenever he was asked a question, his response was often “We’ll see” which to his family meant “No”. Through it all, he was a giving and loving provider, mentor and friend. Some of Mr. Holmes’ special awards and achievements were: Southeast Little League Umpire Chief, Church Trustee 25-Year Service Award; and the Goodyear Perfect Attendance Award for 24 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was being the first youth coach of Tony Dungy, the first African American NFL head coach to win the Super Bowl.

Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Richard L. Holmes Sr., Mrs. Mattie B. Holmes Miller, and Mr. Raymond Miller, and his only sister, Dorothy M. Gray. He leaves to cherish his loving and caring memories his beloved wife of 65 years, Mrs. Wanda J. (Moss) Holmes; to this union, Richard L. Holmes III (Charlisa), Rodney L. Holmes (Cindy), Rex L. Holmes (Dawn), Susan M. Holmes-Walker, and Sharon Holmes Thomas (G. Montez); and his first cousin Tarlene (Raymond) Wright of Seattle, Washington. He also leaves behind a legacy of Holmes’; his grandchildren, Richard L. IV, Stephanie, Brenda, Jordan, Jessica (Jackson), Jaclyn (Brandon), Tim (Stephanie), Shanel, Lance, Samuel and Gia; and great-grandchildren: Elijah, Noah, Christian, Ethan, Adriana, Amelia, Logan, Jayden, Kyren, and Cash. Mr. Holmes had many special friends and a loving extended family, including Tom “Tommy” Bennett, Gail Stewart, Deon Scott, Terry Thomas, and a host of others.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends, as well as all who were blessed to know him. Special recognition to his granddaughter, Shanel, who provided loving care to him to grant his wish of remaining in the home built by him and Mrs. Holmes sixty years ago. The family would also like to thank the staff of Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice and Tasha Cosey for their exceptional care.

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