A Life of Faith, Service, Leadership, and Dedication
Johnny L. Holmes, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, faithful Christian, proud veteran, and distinguished community servant, was born and reared in the Round O community of South Carolina. He was the fourth of eleven children born to the late Reverend Ferby Holmes, Sr., and Mary Etta Holmes. Throughout his life, Johnny exemplified the values of faith, integrity, hard work, and service to others. His remarkable legacy is reflected in the many lives he touched through his family, church, military service, fraternal organizations, and commitment to his community. Johnny transitioned from labor to reward on October 16, 2026.
Education and Military Service
Johnny received his formal education in Colleton County and graduated from Colleton High School in Walterboro, South Carolina, in the Class of 1963. Following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. During his military service, he spent the majority of his time stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He served with honor and distinction until his honorable discharge in 1966. His military service marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to duty, discipline, patriotism, and service to others - principles that would continue to guide him throughout his life.
A Distinguished Career of 41 Years
Upon returning to civilian life, Johnny began his professional career with J.P. Stevens in Walterboro, South Carolina. Over the next 41 years, he faithfully served through the company’s transitions from J.P. Stevens to CCX and later New York Wire, working both in South Carolina and out of state.
Through dedication, perseverance, and strong leadership, Johnny advanced to the position of Supervisor at New York Wire. After more than four decades of committed service, he retired in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of dependability, experience, and professional excellence. His career was a testament to the dignity of hard work and the rewards of remaining steadfast in one’s responsibilities.
A Faithful Servant of God
At an early age, Johnny became a devoted member of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Round O, South Carolina. His faith was not merely a part of his life; it was the foundation upon which he built his character and guided his service to others. He remained a faithful and dedicated member until his health declined.
Throughout his years of service to Mount Zion AME Church, Johnny served in numerous leadership capacities, including:
* Class Leader
* Church Treasurer & Financial Secretary
* Member of the Steward Board
* Steward Pro-Tem
* Member of the Usher Board
* President of the Local Lay Organization
* Sons of Allen
In each position, he demonstrated a sincere commitment to the work of the church and the spiritual well-being of its congregation. His willingness to serve wherever he was needed reflected a humble heart and an enduring devotion to God.
A Life of Fraternal Leadership and Brotherhood
Johnny was a respected and dedicated member of several fraternal organizations, where he demonstrated leadership, brotherhood, and a commitment to preserving the principles of service and fellowship.
His distinguished fraternal affiliations and accomplishments included:
* Sunlight Lodge No. 221, Walterboro, South Carolina: Past Master, serving for more than 50 years, and former Secretary; Honorary Doctorate Degree of Free Masonry
* STS Knights of Pythagoras, Council No. 53: Member.
* Martin Luther King, Jr. Consistory No. 349, Ridgeville, South Carolina: Past Commander in Chief and Liaison.
* Commanders of the Rites: Member.
* Scottish Rite Masons: Chairman of the Scottish Rite Mason of the Year recognition and recipient of the distinction of 33rd Degree Mason.
His longstanding involvement in these organizations reflected his belief in brotherhood, character, leadership, and the importance of giving back. Through his service and commitment, Johnny earned the respect and admiration of his fellow members and established a legacy of fraternal excellence.
An Unwavering Commitment to Veterans
Among Johnny’s most enduring contributions was his extraordinary dedication to veterans and the recognition of their service and sacrifice. As a proud United States Army veteran, he understood the importance of honoring those who had answered the call to defend their country. His leadership and service to the veterans of Colleton County included the following achievements:
* Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter No. 55, Walterboro: Served as Commander from 2004 through 2024, providing two decades of leadership and advocacy for fellow veterans. He was a volunteer driver to transport veterans from Colleton County to the VA medical facility in Charleston, SC.
* Colleton County Veterans Council: Served as Chairman from 2004 through 2026, dedicating more than two decades to supporting veterans and advancing their interests.
* Colleton County Honor Guard: Helped establish the Honor Guard in 2007 and served until his health declined in 2024. He also served as Commander, helping ensure that veterans received the dignity, respect, and military honors they deserved.
* Veterans Park, Walterboro, South Carolina: Played an instrumental role in initiating the planning efforts for the recently built Veterans Park, helping advance a lasting tribute to the men and women who served our nation.
Johnny’s work on behalf of veterans extended far beyond titles and positions. It was a personal mission rooted in patriotism, gratitude, and brotherhood. His commitment helped strengthen the community’s recognition of military service and contributed to the establishment of lasting tributes to those who served.
His years of leadership stand as a powerful reminder that honoring veterans is not simply an act of remembrance; it is a responsibility carried forward through action, advocacy, and service.
A Voice for Justice and Community Advancement
Johnny also demonstrated his commitment to civic responsibility and community progress through his membership in the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Walterboro. He was presented with the Humanitarian Award for the Colleton County Branch #5507 in June of 2021.
His involvement reflected an enduring concern for fairness, dignity, and the well-being of his community. Whether serving through his church, fraternal organizations, veterans groups, or civic associations, Johnny understood that meaningful leadership required more than words - it required a willingness to work for the betterment of others. He was a man who believed that service was a calling, and he answered that calling throughout his life.
A Pillar of the Wesley Grove Community
Johnny L. Holmes was more than a respected leader; he was a beloved pillar of the Wesley Grove community. Affectionately known as the “Mayor” of Wesley Grove, Johnny earned this endearing title through his presence, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the people and community he loved. His influence extended far beyond the many organizations in which he served, reaching the hearts and homes of neighbors who knew they could depend on him. In his younger years, Johnny could often be found on the community baseball field, sharing his love of the game while coaching the Wesley Grove Tigers. As time passed, his passion for baseball led him from coaching to serving as an umpire, allowing him to remain actively involved in the game he loved. Through his dedication to baseball, Johnny became a familiar and cherished presence on the field, creating memories that would be treasured by players, families, and members of the community for years to come. Johnny’s love for his community was also demonstrated through the quiet, compassionate acts of kindness he performed without seeking recognition. With a servant’s heart, he took it upon himself to maintain the lawns of widows in the community, ensuring their yards remained cared for and presentable. He continued this thoughtful service until his health declined, demonstrating that his commitment to helping others was not merely something he spoke about, but something he lived each day.
A Devoted Husband and Loving Father
On November 14, 1970, Johnny united in marriage with the love of his life, Delores Carter. Their union was blessed with three children, and together they established a family rooted in love, commitment, and shared memories.
As a husband and father, Johnny treasured his family and took pride in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His example of hard work, perseverance, faith, and service provided a lasting foundation for those who knew and loved him. His influence will continue through the generations who carry his name, his values, and the lessons he imparted.
Those Who Preceded Him in Death
Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delores C. Holmes; his parents, the late Reverend Ferby Holmes, Sr., and Mary Etta Holmes; his brothers, Ferby Holmes, Jr., Arthur Holmes, Willie Holmes, and Larry Holmes; and his sister, Mae Frances Reed. Though their absence left a space that could never be filled, their memories remained an enduring part of his life & story.
Those He Leaves to Cherish His Memory
Johnny leaves a treasured legacy of love and cherished memories to his daughters: Michelle Gerald (Ronnel) of Woodstock, Georgia, and Keisha Williams of Cottageville, South Carolina. Son: Carlos Holmes of Cottageville, South Carolina. He also leaves ten beloved grandchildren: Taylor, Tyrell, Tamya, Chalamar, Carlos, Jr., Khalil, Corday, Jayden, Jakira, and Jaryn, who will forever cherish the memories, love, and family legacy he leaves behind.
He is also survived by his five sisters: Gertrude Noland (Larrin) and Shirley Dogue of Kernersville, North Carolina; Carolyn Jones of Columbia, South Carolina; Gloria Sullivan of Queens, New York; and Josephine Holmes of San Jose, California. His surviving in-laws include Edna Holmes, Betty Wright, Edward Carter (Elziane), Johnny L. Carter, Shervey Carter, and Carl Carter.
In addition, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, fellow church members, fraternal brothers, veterans, and members of the Wesley Grove Community, all of whom were touched in some way by his life, friendship, and service.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Johnny L. Holmes lived a life marked by purpose, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He was a soldier who served his country, a worker who gave 41 years of faithful service, a churchman who devoted himself to the work of God, a Mason who exemplified brotherhood, a leader who advocated for veterans, and a family man whose love and influence will continue for generations.
His accomplishments were numerous, but perhaps his greatest achievement was the spirit in which he served. He gave of his time, shared his talents, accepted responsibility, and worked diligently to make a difference in the lives of others. His leadership helped strengthen organizations, support veterans, honor fallen and departed servicemen and women, and preserve the values of faith, fellowship, and community.
Although his physical presence will be deeply missed, the impact of his life will remain in the institutions he helped strengthen, the causes he championed, the family he loved, and the countless people who benefited from his service. Johnny’s life reminds us that greatness is not measured solely by the positions one holds or the honors one receives, but by the lives one touches, the burdens one helps carry, and the good one leaves behind.
As we celebrate his life and honor his memory, may we find comfort in knowing that his years of faithful service were not in vain. His legacy will continue to speak through every act of kindness, every expression of brotherhood, every effort to honor our veterans, and every life inspired by his example.
His Personal Motto
“If I can do something to help somebody, then maybe my living won’t be in vain.” These words beautifully capture the essence of Johnny L. Holmes. They reflect the heart of a man who understood that a meaningful life is one devoted to helping others.
His service was his testimony. His faith was his foundation. His family was his blessing. His legacy is his lasting gift.
May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the loving arms of his Heavenly Father, with the assurance that a life so faithfully lived will never be forgotten.
