Ernest Holmes Dublin, Georgia Obituary

Ernest Holmes

Funeral services for Reverend Ernest “Jackie” Holmes, Jr., of Dublin, will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 11 AM at the graveside in the Stanley Cemetery, Stanley Cemetery Road in Dublin. Reverend Winifred McCloud will deliver the eulogy. Reverend Holmes was born on January 5, 1948, to the late Ernest Holmes, Sr. and Annie P. Brown Holmes. He was known as a God-fearing, kind, intelligent man who inspired people with his faith and hope in God. Reverend Holmes was serious about his relationship with the Lord, and through his ministry led many others to know the love of Jesus. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, minister, and friend. He also loved being outdoors and fishing. He often spoke of his early life as he grew up on the Old Toomsboro Road. At an early age, he joined the Holly Grove Baptist Church where he became a member of the choir, usher, and the Deacon Board Ministries. He was a graduate of Millville High School. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his tour of duty in the Vietnam War, he was wounded twice; for his valor he received the Purple Heart. Reverend Holmes was a highly respected honorably discharged veteran of the USMC. After his military service, he worked for the Dublin Police Department; after his time on the police force, he went to work for the Georgia Department of Corrections for over 20 years where he retired. After retiring from the State of Georgia Corrections he worked for a few years at Middle Georgia College Dublin Center location. Also, during his service, on April 5, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Lowther. To their union, three children were born, Ernest D., Jacquelyn, and Nurka Holmes. Reverend Holmes made the choice to join his wife at Spring Hill Baptist Church under the pastor ship of Reverend Winfred McCloud where he remained a dedicated member. Reverend Holmes believed in the power of education. He attended Middle Georgia College and Bryant Theological Seminary. He was an avid teacher who loved to study his scriptures endlessly. One of his greatest traits was his love for children and people in general. He enjoyed visiting with the children at his wife’s daycare facility and reading/telling them Bible stories. Reverend Holmes was indeed part of the village that it takes to raise children. In 1995, then Deacon Holmes, successfully presented his initial sermon for the Ministry at the Springhill Baptist Church. In October 1998, he was called to Pastor the William Grove Baptist Church in Dublin. A few years later, he was called to Pastor the Mount Annis Baptist Church in Eastman. He served these churches faithfully fulfilling his duties until his health began to decline. Both churches added greatly to their membership and made improvements to their building foundations during his ministry. In the early hours on Friday, August 14, 2020, he answered the Lord’s call from his labor to reward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Holmes, Sr. and Annie P. Brown Holmes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas L. and Ruby L. Lowther; four siblings, Mary Alice Holmes, Robert Holmes, Ronnie Holmes and Anthony Holmes; two brothers-in-law, Thomas L. Lowther, Jr. and Larry A. Lowther. To continue his inspirational legacy he leaves his wife of fifty-one years, Claudia Holmes; children, Ernest D. Holmes, Jacquelyn Holmes and Nurka (Eugene) Holmes-Blake; two granddaughters, Eniyah and Laila Blake all of Dublin; siblings, Annie Holmes and Willie L. Holmes both of Dublin, Artis Holmes of Oklahoma City, OK; sisters-in-law, Julia Simmons, Barbara Jean (Eldred) Swayne and Irma Jean Lowther of Columbus; a host of aunts and uncles including Thomas E. Holmes and Willie Roy Whipple; nieces, nephews, loyal friends including Curtis and Brenda Smith, Darryl Carter, Marvin and Irish Northcutt, Donald and Chynell Way, Quinn and Gail Bonner and Mother Henrietta Hall and family; Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, William Grove Baptist Church, Mount Annis Baptist Church and the band of members and all others who lives were touched by Reverend Ernest Holmes, Jr. Please post condolence at ServicesByDudley.com. Services by Dudley Funeral Home of Dublin.
January 5, 1948 - August 14, 202001/05/194808/14/2020
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Ernest

An environmentally friendly option
1 tree planted in memory of Ernest Holmes.
Vermel Thomas
August 21, 2020
Gone home to be with Jesus. One of the finest Christian soldiers that I and my family knew. Condolences to the family.
W
Willie James (Peter)Anderson
August 20, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy is with the family and may their faith in God usher them through these times of sorrow.
Peaceful Condolences

Peaceful Condolences was purchased for the family of Ernest Holmes. Send flowers

M
Mary. Reeves
August 20, 2020
Condolences to the family of Rev.Earnest Holmes. We work together at Bostick State Prison he was a joy to work with and I don't think ever had a bad day. He would always come with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Co-workers from BSP Trust you... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Ernest Holmes.
A candle was posted for Ernest Holmes.
T
Tribute Store
August 20, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you. From Erica J., Chastity, Shana, Vonetta, Angela, Erica B., and Tamaiko - Class of 1993
Peace Lily

Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Ernest Holmes. Send flowers

E
Eva Phenix
August 19, 2020
My Sincere Condolences and Prayers go out to Claudia and rest of the family of Ernest! All three of us attended and graduated from Millville High School in 1966!! Rest In Peace Ernest! 🛐🛐🕊🌾
A candle was posted for Ernest Holmes.
A candle was posted for Ernest Holmes.
S
Salina Hamilton
August 19, 2020
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Feathery Palm Plant, Large

Feathery Palm Plant, Large was purchased for the family of Ernest Holmes. Send flowers

B
Bryson and Jacquelyn Wells
August 19, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you.
Peace Lily

Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Ernest Holmes. Send flowers

C
Chynell Way
August 19, 2020
Bible was posted for Ernest Holmes.
Bible was posted for Ernest Holmes.
1 comment
C
Chynell Way
August 19, 2020
Pastor Holmes will truly be missed. He was like a father figure to my husband and I. It is our prayer that the Lord strengthens you all and keep looking to the HILLS!!
J
Jim H JACKSON
August 19, 2020
I Jim H Jackson Sr. Want this family to know that you all have my condolences during this time of bereavement. We all will be going this way, so be strong family and thank God for Jesus.
W
Willie Roy whipple
August 19, 2020
WE ALL LOVE HIM VERY MUCH,IF YOU ADD ALL OF OUR LIVE TOGETHER,GOD LOVE HIM MORE !!! HE GAVE US JOY AND HAPPINESS FOR A LITTLE JACKIE,GOD BLESS JACKIE
Stairway To The Heavens

Stairway To The Heavens was purchased for the family of Ernest Holmes. Send flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Ernest Holmes.