Willie Howard Holmes

Willie Howard Holmes was the son of the late Hosea Holmes Sr. and the late Annie Lois Holmes; born May 23, 1938 in Valdosta, Georgia.

Educated in the City School System, Willie felt the call to serve mankind. He answered the call to serve, safeguard and protect by becoming a Police Officer. He was the first black Police Officer for the City of Adel. Recognizing his badge as a symbol of public faith and public trust, Willie was faithful in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of the departments he served. He later transferred to the City of Valdosta, where he served for over 22 years upon retiring.

Not only did he answer the call to serve mankind, he answered the call to be a loving husband to Bertha Frost Holmes and loving father to eight children. To his wife, Willie was handsome, loveable and sweet; to all of his children, he was a outstanding father, none could beat!

Lastly, but certainly, not least, he answered the call of the Lord and gave his life to Christ. Until his health failed, Willie was a faithful member and deacon of Greater Mt. Carmel House of God Saints In Christ Church.

The Lord called his faithful servant unto eternal rest, Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister: Gladys Graham; three brothers: Alvin Holmes, Jerry Holmes and Joseph Holmes; and a special grandmother: Francis Hill.

Willie leaves to cherish memories; a loving wife of 55 years: Bertha Frost Holmes; eight children: Beverly Frost of Lake Park, GA, Howard Holmes, Regina Spencer (Mike), Mark Holmes, Craig Holmes (Vickie) all of Valdosta, GA, Darrell Holmes of Atlanta, GA, Kenneth Holmes of Jacksonville, FL and Fernando Holmes of Adel, GA; three sisters: Jeannie Tobler of Kennesaw, GA, Arletha Timmons and Felicha Black of Valdosta, GA; two brothers: Hosea Holmes and Isiah Jackson of Valdosta, GA; a host of special grandchildren: Zakiyyah (Arthur) Weatherspoon, Sade` Holmes, ShaKeana Holmes, Britney Holmes, Conmesha Moore, Latarsha Frost, Maurice Frost (Jennifer), Katrina Horton, Angela Denson (Alan), Destinee Holmes, Darrell Holmes Jr, Nakia Holmes (Travis), T.C. Strickland and Dedric Gibbs; two special great-grandchildren: Ashanti (Marc) and Valisite; special friends: Sadiqua Williams, Tommy McCaskill, Johnnie Leggett, Billy Green, Rickey Plair, William Hogan, Sr., and Freddie Hankins, Sr; one god-son: Tommy Lester; one god-daughter: Stephanie Jackson; special care giver: Pamela Fudge; thirty one grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; four sisters in-law; three brothers in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The homegoing celebration for the late Mr. Willie Howard Holmes will be held Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 2:00pm from the sanctuary of Crossing Jordan Baptist Church.

Dr. Ronnie J. Mathis is the pastor.

Elder David Northcutt will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery