John W Holmes

Mr. John William Holmes, age 88 of Hiawassee, GA passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 following a period of declining health. He was preceded in death by a brother, Max Holmes and a grandson, Trevor Holmes. He was born to the late John Truman and Stella (Brown) Holmes on October 21, 1920 in Towns County, GA. He was a member of Breckenridge Masonic Lodge #406, a member of Bay City Consistory, Elf Khurafeh-Shriner's and a Life Member of VFW Post 7807. He was an avid woodworker. His interest also included fly fishing. He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Mrs. Betty Holmes, of Hiawassee, GA; daughters, Carol Oeder, of Hiawassee, GA; Sue Forte', of Laurel, MD; sons, John L. Holmes, of Hiawassee, GA; Rod Holmes, of Palmdale, CA; brothers, Steve Holmes and Gerald Holmes, both of Hiawassee, GA; sisters, Ann Edwards, of Oregon, Gertie Layson, of Eatonton, GA; Imogene Turpin, of Hiawassee, GA; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Ledford officiating. Pallbearers were: Jerry Turpin, Matt Turpin, Chris Turpin, Michael Oeder, Rick Mayhew, Donnie Payne and Jerry Turpin. Interment was in Macedonia Baptist Church cemetery. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.