Walter Holmes Jr.

Walter Holmes Jr. departed his earthly home on January 10, 2025.  He was born November 28, 1935 in Sylvania, GA to the late Walter Holmes Sr. and Emma Holmes. 

Walter spent the last 21 years of his life in Davidson, NC where he had past service as an active member which extended to choir member and deacon at Gethsemane Baptist Church of Lake Norman. Prior to moving to Davidson, he lived in Dallas and Gastonia, NC, respectively, for over 30 years. While living in Dallas, NC, he served as an active member, choir member and deacon at Friday Memorial Baptist Church. In Gastonia, he served as an active member at Christ Community Baptist Church. Despite having a seventh-grade education, Walter had great knowledge on topics ranging from geography to politics and always enjoyed a “spirited” debate. He spent his early adult years in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, and became a hardcore Philadelphia Eagles fan. Walter could often be heard shouting “Fly, Eagles Fly” after a Philadelphia Eagles victory.

As a major accomplishment of his employment during his lifetime, Walter dedicated over 40 years at James E. Harris Construction in Huntersville, NC. He started as one of the company’s first employees and worked continuously to contribute to the company’s growth until his retirement. In fact, he ultimately retired “twice” from the company. During his time with Harris, he worked on a variety of projects, including building treatment plants and water pumping stations. Toward the end of his employment with Harris, he worked running the warehouse and maintaining the office building.

Much more important than work, Walter spent over 50 years, including 40 years as his wife, with the love of his life, Vera Holmes. Walter, the youngest, is pre-deceased by four sisters and four brothers. In addition to his wife Vera, he is survived by the following children: daughters, Robin Jenkins (Butch), Sherry Gaston, LaDonna Smith, Tammara Dunlap, and Monique Wilson; sons, Anthony Hardin and Joe Wingate (Carnesha). He will undoubtedly be missed by all of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins across multiple generations and locations (NC, PA, GA, FL, TX, NV, and others).  He has cherished friends who will miss him as well, including Donnis Goode, CharlesAnn Goode, Frank Jordan, Marvin Brandon, Myrna Mowrey, and James Harris. Walter was truly Blessed in his later years to have valuable live-in and loving assistance for several years from his daughter Monique Wilson. In his final months of life, he received the same valuable live-in and loving assistance from his grandson and granddaughter, Sedrekus and Angela Wingate and their daughters.

John 14: 1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Fly, Walter Fly

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Holmes Jr., please visit our floral store.