Foy Eugene Holmes passed away on September 11, 2026, in Marianna, Florida, at the age of 79.
He was born on December 25, 1946, in Opp, Alabama, to the late Willard Eugene Holmes and Phoy Louise McKnight Holmes. Eugene lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, service, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him. He carried himself with quiet strength and a steady presence that earned the respect of all who knew him.
Eugene proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy, a chapter of his life that reflected his sense of duty and commitment to something greater than himself. After his military service, he built a life centered on honest work and dependable service through Holmes Appliance, which he owned and operated. Through his business, he became a familiar and trusted presence in the community, known for his integrity, his work ethic, and the care he brought to every task.
He also remained deeply involved in service to fellow veterans. Eugene served as Veterans Liaison for Disabled Veterans Chapter 87 and taught classes at DVC, where he shared his knowledge and experience with others. His willingness to give his time and energy to help fellow veterans reflected the compassion and leadership that were hallmarks of his character. He understood the value of service, and he lived that value in both public and personal ways throughout his life.
Eugene found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, as well as the animals that came with enjoying the outdoors including horses and bird dogs, especially Labradors, and he treasured the peace and freedom that came from spending time outside. These interests were more than hobbies to him. They were part of the life he loved and the memories he created with those closest to him. Whether he was in the field, around animals, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Eugene was at home in the outdoors.
Above all else, Eugene loved his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Marjorie Livingston Holmes, whose partnership was the foundation of a long and loving marriage. He also leaves behind his son, Scott Holmes and his wife Cynthia; his daughters, Heather Seawright and her husband James, and Christy Holmes; his grandchildren, Tristan Seawright and his wife Caely, Larson Seawright, and Ashley Messick and her husband David; and his great-granddaughter, Harper Messick. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Holmes and his wife Sylvia. Eugene cherished each of them deeply and took great pride in the family he helped build.
In addition to his surviving family, Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Eugene Holmes and Phoy Louise McKnight Holmes. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried forward the values they instilled in him with honor and faithfulness.
Funeral services for Eugene will be held at 2:30 PM, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Reverend Ricky Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
