Kerry Donovan Holmes, Sr.

On July 20, 2024, Kerry Donovan Holmes, Sr. peacefully transitioned to be with his Heavenly Father at 69. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home in South Apopka. Born August 26, 1954, Kerry was a lifelong resident of Apopka. He was an inaugural Temple of Faith Church member with the late Elder G.H. Washington as pastor; an inaugural member of Freedom Ministries Church with Pastor Freddie S. Filmore, Sr.; a member of Everlasting Covenant Christian Center with Pastor Duane Broom; and had as his final spiritual home Faith Life International Church with his eldest son, Pastor Ronald Holmes. He was employed as an orderly for Florida Hospital before leaving for the citrus industry. He would later accept a maintenance and custodial position with the Orange County Public School System in the late 70s. For more than 35 years, Kerry dedicated his time and energy to serving the students, faculty, and administration of OCPS at both Phyllis Wheatley and Dream Lake Elementary Schools in Apopka. He retired in 2011. It is because of his pristine reputation, his consistent presence in his community, his unwavering and unshakable faith, and his love for his family, friends, and neighbors that many dubbed him ‘Mayor of South Apopka.’ He leaves to celebrate his life a loving and devoted wife, Ferry Holmes, who stood by his side for 51 years of marriage plus the times of courting. To celebrate and continue his legacy are his sons Ronald Holmes (Gina) of DeLand, FL, Robin Holmes (Deborah) of Mount Dora, FL, and Kerry Donovan Holmes, Jr. of Apopka, FL. A father-figure to many, he affectionately recognized Dawn Robinson (Corin) of Ocoee, FL as a bonus daughter. He is preceded in this celebration by his parents the late Farices Truth Holmes and the late Charlie Willie Holmes; and siblings, Willie Mae Holmes, Luther Holmes, and Jimmy Holmes, Sr. He will be forever celebrated by siblings Gloria Stephens, Charlie Mae Warren, Eddie Holmes, Sr., Rosemary Simmons (Robert), and Brenda Holmes. Joining the celebration of his life are his grandchildren Jennifer Taylor (Gayron), Chad Holmes, Michaela Shaw, Devin Holmes (Jill), Sierra Holmes, Athaiya Mack, and Aiyanna Rosario. He is further celebrated by his great-grandchildren Alex Taylor, Victoria Taylor, Chloe Taylor, and Mason Holmes, in addition to the numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and a community who will never forget the impact of this great man of God.

Tributes

Kerry Donovan Holmes, Sr.

August 26, 1954 - July 20, 2024