Elder Robert Holmes, Jr.

Elder Robert Holmes, Jr. was born on June 3, 1931 in Dothan Alabama to Mr. Eugene Holmes and Mother Anna Reese Rogers. Having had Sharecroppers as parents, Elder Holmes level of education extended only to the 8th grade. However, this didn’t prohibit his ability to become very knowledgeable and a productive individual. In 1954 he moved to Lake Wales, Florida in search of a good Christian girl. He met and married Missionary Essie Mae McGriff. As a unit they made Wilmington, Delaware their place of residence. To this union five children were born. They also joined a Pentecostal Church, became born again believers, chose Christianity as being their life style under the leadership of the late Pastor Kooch. After years of residing in Wilmington, Delaware, Elder Robert Holmes, Jr. moved his entire family back to Lake Wales, Florida, where he became an Ordained Pastor. He pastored a church by the name of Masonic Hall in Lakeland, Florida for many years. He traveled around with his tent, and would have tent meetings; where he would win souls for the Kingdom of God. He was a person full of generosity, hospitality and was compassionate in helping people. After the passing of his wife Essie Holmes, he later married Bertha Brown and to this union three children were born. His last two occupational jobs was that of a dedicated landlord and maintenance hotel industry worker. On September 26, 2017, the angel of death came to North Campus Rehab and Nursing Center, Leesburg, Florida and took the soul of Elder Robert Holmes, Jr. and flew him away from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of eternal rest. Elder Holmes was preceded in death by Missionary Essie Mae McGriff Holmes, his parents Mr. Eugene Holmes and Mother Anna Reese Rogers, daughter, Rosalind Holmes. Elder Robert Holmes leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Bertha Brown Holmes of Leesburg, Florida; daughters, Joyce Sylvia Holmes of Lake Wales, Florida, Constance Louise Blocker Holmes of Leesburg, Florida, Cynthia Ann Mansel of Cocoa, Florida, Robin Denise Ward (Robert Jr.) of Lake Wales, Florida; sons, Terrance Lewis Holmes of Lake Wales, Florida, Robert Holmes, II and Isiah Holmes; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and loving friends.

Tributes

Elder Robert Holmes, Jr.

June 3, 1931 - September 26, 2017