Alex Holmes, Jr., the eldest son of the late Alex Holmes, Sr. and Tereatha Holmes, was born in Ellaville, Florida on July 28, 1938. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Madison, Florida where he was reared. He took his flight from this stratosphere on May 18, 2008 at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama. His formal education began at Madison Training School in Madison, Florida.
As a teenager, he enlisted in the United States Air Force to accomplish a childhood dream of becoming an aircraft pilot. Part of that dream was realized as he moved quickly through the ranks in spite of societal challenges of the time. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force as Senior Master Sergeant. Alex served as an aircraft loadmaster for varied types of cargo and passenger aircrafts and later earned his jump wings, countless medals and commendations during many of his tours in Vietnam. During his extensive international tours, Alex played semi-pro football for the United States Air Force in Paris, France. In his later service to the United States Air Force, Alex switched his occupation to Food Service Management. After twenty-eight years of military service, Alex pursued his hobby of cooking and management of people as he earned two Associate Degrees in Applied Science in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at Metropolitan Technical Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. Following his military retirement, Alex re-entered the workforce and served as a United States Postal Worker for twelve years. He demonstrated his leadership skills as he fought unflinchingly for justice and equality as a union shop steward for the Mail Handlers Association.
Alex was active in the Rough Ashler Masonic Lodge #1. He then progressed to Joshua David Kelly Consistory #27 which later led him to join Zaha Temple #52 Imperial Council A. E. A. O. N. M. S., Inc. located in Omaha, Nebraska.
His journey with the Lord began in Madison, Florida. As a resident of Huntsville, Alabama, he joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral care of Reverend Julius R. Scruggs on August 20, 2000 where he worshiped until the imposition of his declining health.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Yvonne Davis Holmes; son, Alex Holmes, III and daughter, Amethyst Holmes; three sons from a previous marriage: Alex Tyrone Holmes, Adrian Holmes and Artie Holmes. Alex is also survived by two sisters: Willie Merl Warren and Edith Diane Page; two brothers: Robert Lee Holmes (Patricia) and Leroy Holmes. Four siblings preceded him in death, Albert Holmes, Clinton Holmes, Clarence Holmes, and Christine Holmes, four brothers-in-law: Frank (Mary), Roy (Louisa), Craig (Lorraine), and Cedric Davis (Bridgette); four sisters-in-law: Gi=Gi Akinwunmi, Willia Gadson (Ned), Jeannette Turner (Carl) and Barbara Davis. He also leaves to cherish his memory a very special and dear friend, Robert Everson and a host of relatives, friends, nieces, nephews, former co-workers, medical care specialists, home health nurses and employees, nursing home and rehabilitation staff members and buddies at Dee's Diner, all of who will be left with an indelible print in their memory of Alex Holmes, Jr. affectionately known to many as "Holmes", "Heavy", or "Sarge". He will be deeply missed for his unwavering love and commitment to family and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Holmes will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from the First Missionary Baptist Church, 3509 Blue Spring Road, with Reverend Earla S. Lockhart officiating. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, May 24, 2008. The remains of Mr. Holmes will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.