Mr. Billy Paul Holmes was born November 18, 1941, in Hawkins, Texas to the late Andrew Holmes and Therma Elizabeth Holmes (Braggs). Billy Paul was the first born of six children and was loving to all of his siblings.

After graduating from Carver High School in Lonoke, Arkansas he joined the US Army.  He served two tours in Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star for his actions under fire. He also served three tours in West Germany. He served honorably until his retirement. 

After retirement he attended Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma where he majored in Marketing and Financial Planning. Also, during that time, he was a Multiline Insurance Agent for American National Company. He lived and worked in Lawton, Oklahoma for fifteen years as an Insurance Agent.

Billy Paul and his family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1993. He continued to work as an Agent until he retired from the business in 2008. 

Billy Paul departed this life on Monday, October 14, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Carrie L. Holmes of twenty-four years, one son Billy G. Henry, one sister Peggy R. Strong, and one brother, Glenn E. Holmes.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two brothers, Charles D. Holmes, Kerr, Arkansas; and Dwayne V. Holmes (Tammy), Little Rock, Arkansas; a sister Katina McNeil (Harvey), Mabelvale, Arkansas; two daughters, Lolita D. Johnson, North Little Rock, Arkansas; and Bittie J. Mason (Rodney), Winston Salem, North Carolina; two stepsons Anthony W. Redus, Lawton, Oklahoma; and Benjamin Howell, Pecos, Texas; grandchildren Ikia Coleman, Quiana Rice, Jahnice Henry and Trevor Mason, great-grandson Julian Rice, a special aunt Arlene Woods, Compton, California; special traveling buddy Anita (Wee Wee) Davidson whom he loved and admired, a host of other relatives and friends.