Garold Dean Holmes

Garold "Jerry" Dean Holmes, 65 of Wakeman, died Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at his home after a year and half battle with cancer. He was born October 12, 1940 in Broadford, Virginia, moving to Ohio in 1959. He was a 1959 graduate of RB Worthy High School, Saltville, VA where he excelled in industrial arts and sports, lettering in all sports with special blue ribbon recognitions for his speed in track and as halfback in football, earning his nickname "Pixie". He was employed by Ford Motor Company as a Quality Specialist in Lorain, retiring after 30 years in 1989. During full-time employment, he also worked as an Amway distributor. Upon retirement, he enjoyed working in hardware and construction supplies at Willow Hardware. He formed his own computer business where he utilized the name "Sherlock Holmes." He earned many electronic certifications which he employed in various fields including TV satellites, building and servicing computers, installing electronic security and sound systems at work and at church. He was a master in all phases of construction, a craftsman in carpentry and woodwork, renovating, and refurbishing homes throughout his life. He was a member of First Church of God in Allison Gap in Saltville, VA since childhood where he sang in traveling family quartets, and later became a member of The Firelands Church in Wakeman, Ohio. He was a master gardener and farmer, excelling in landscaping. He was a devout Christian and lived his life with integrity. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends Survivors include his wife, Linda J. (nee Rogers) Holmes, 4 daughters Cindy A. Simpson of Vermilion, Dorothy A. Holmes of Southaven, MS, Tracy Holmes of Hilton Head, SC and Rachelle Holmes of Cleveland; sons Jerry Dean Holmes of Southaven, MS, Vincent H. Holmes of Houston, TX, Joshua B. Holmes of Wakeman, Justin L. Holmes of Toledo; 10 grandchildren; sister Alva Jean Donnelly of Emory, VA; and brother Marlyn C. Campbell of Salem, VA. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ernest H. and Edith V. (nee Viers) Holmes; and sister Bronda Elliott. Family will receive friends Friday, August 4, 2006 from 7-9 pm at Riddle Funeral Home 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Services will be Saturday August 5, 2006 at 1:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home with the Rev. Leon Simpson of the Firelands Church officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.riddlefuneralhome.com.