Gary L. Holmes, Sr.

Gary L. Holmes, Sr., 80, of Tylertown, passed away on September 6, 2026 at SMRMC.

Visitation was held on Sept. 8, at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 5PM until 8PM, and continued on Sept. 9, from 9AM until services at 11AM. Bro. Mack McElveen did officiate and burial was at Hollywood Cemetery.

Gary was born on April 1, 1946 to his parents, the late Lemuel Horace Holmes, Sr. and Velma Lee Holmes in Tylertown, MS. He grew up at Percy Quin State Park where some of his fondest memories were formed. He enjoyed squirrel hunting with his beloved dog Jack, fishing, and tending his garden. He was an avid football fan for the Ole Miss Rebels and an avid reader. He read the newspaper daily, front to back. Gary served in the Army National Guard. He worked as a carman for the Illinois Central Railroad in McComb for 20 years. Before his retirement, he built trailers at Transport Trailers in Fernwood. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren riding four-wheelers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 loving years, Diana L. Holmes; 3 brothers: Lemuel Horace Holmes, Jr., Charles Rex Holmes, Sr., and 1 infant; 1 sister Dorothy Faye Mygrant; 2 nephews: Lemuel Horace Holmes, III and Roger Holmes, Sr.; 2 nieces: Janet Johnston and Jasmine Martin; and his mother-in-law Mary Louise Smith.

He is survived by 4 children: Gary L. Holmes, Jr., Russell "Rusty" W. Holmes (Kristine), Richard Dana Holmes, and Brad Dustin Holmes, Sr. (Lacey); 3 grandchildren: Brad Dustin Holmes, Jr., Brody Lee Holmes, and Chris Laurence Flores; 1 sister Barbara Ann Johnston (Aaron); along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.