Mr. Eli Holmes, Jr.
WardWilsonViewed: 1605
Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Jun 04 2015 11:10 AM
Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory
2414 Hartford Highway
Dothan, Alabama 36305
334-792-4194
Obituary
The Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr. was born on July 31, 1929 to the late Eli Holmes, Sr. and Idalene Ralph Holmes in Montgomery, County, Alabama. His older brother, John Holmes, Sr., preceded him in death.
The Reverend Holmes joined the Mountain Hill Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama at an early age and later united with Johns Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Enterprise, Alabama after being stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1960. At Johns Chapel, he served with godly excellence in several capacities, including Trustee and Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. In later years he answered God’s call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he ministered to all who would listen until he was called home to be with the Lord. He was a Local Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving at his beloved local church and in the community. He was blessed with amazing wisdom and insight, and many sought his counsel in spiritual matters as well as in the matters of everyday life. Considered a gifted student of the Bible, many were blessed to hear him discuss the Word of God in great detail and celebrate the story of salvation through Jesus the Christ. His talks with family and friends always carried his unique brand of humor and special words that he crafted just to make his point!
The Reverend Holmes served the community by serving individuals who needed his help. He was an enthusiastic and hard-working volunteer, and served on the Board of Directors of the Christian Mission and Habitat for Humanity in Enterprise. He was a member of the Order of Masons.
His military career spanned 21 years of distinctive service in the United States Army, retiring with honor as a decorated Korean War Veteran and Vietnam War Veteran. He served two tours in the Vietnam War. He completed several peacetime overseas tours, including Germany and Hawaii, at times with his large family accompanying him. His wife has called him a wonderful provider for his family.
The Reverend Holmes was a high school graduate and completed courses at Enterprise State Junior College.
He was united in Holy Matrimony on May 17, 1951 to Dorothy Marie Medlock Holmes. He lovingly described her as “the Love of My Life” and “the only woman I ever loved.” Surrounded by his bride of 64 years and other family members, The Reverend Holmes departed this life for a peaceful rest from his labor on June 2, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Dan Holmes; his brother, John Holmes, and one grandson.
Cherishing the sweet memories of this man of God are his faithful and devoted wife, Dorothy Medlock Holmes; seven children: George, Cincinnati, Ohio; Eugene and his wife, Jeannette, Level Plains, Alabama; Carolyn, Enterprise, Alabama; Eli III, Enterprise, Alabama; Alexander and his wife, Norma, El Paso, Texas; Gwen, Griffin, Georgia; and Barbara, Enterprise, Alabama; ten grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family of The Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr. extends a sincere expression of gratitude for the prayers, visits, calls, food, cards and other generous acts of kindness shown to them during this time. Special thanks go to Dr. Gary Allen and Dr. William A. Gammill of Enterprise Medical Clinic, and to the staff of Gentiva Hospice. We thank God for each of you for all that you have done, and we will remember you in our prayers.
PALLBEARERS
Nephews
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Members of the Trustee Board of Johns Chapel AME Church
FLOWER BEARERS
Nieces
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