John Cyrus Holmes Jr.

February 28, 1930 - August 18, 2017

John Cyrus Holmes Jr. was born on February 28, 1930 in Columbus, Georgia to John C. Holmes and Lula Belle (Cannon). John had two older sisters, Florence Holt (John) and Dorothy Thomas (Milton). He attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, graduating in 1952 with a degree in business administration. That same year he married Frances Annette Waller of Morrow, Georgia.

John and Frances enjoyed a 60-year marriage. Theirs was a love story for the ages, and they were devoted to one another always. They had two daughters, Melanie Pitts and Marylu Stross, and raised their family in Palm Beach County, where John worked in sales and finance for 40 years. He was a rare breed of salesman, always more concerned with doing the best for his customers rather than pursuing his own personal gain. He earned the respect and high regard of his co-workers and customers throughout his career.

John was a devoted family man and his two daughters will always be Daddy’s girls. They married wonderful men, just like their dad, and John was proud to call Barry Pitts and Gregory Stross his sons-in-law. He always thought of them as his own sons. John was especially proud of his three grandchildren, John Paul Pitts, Russell Stross, and Julia Pitts, and was always an important presence and influence in their lives.

John passed away at age 87 on August 18, 2017 after a brief illness. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and will be missed by his friends and neighbors. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Sunday, September 3, at 3:00. It will be held at his home, 4585 Cherry Rd., in West Palm Beach.

Arrangements under the direction of Fountainhead Funeral Home, Palm Bay, FL.