Page 2 - Rev Eli Holmes Obituary

Obituary
Reverend Eli Holmes, Jr. was born on July 31, 1929 to Eli Holmes, Sr. and Idalene Ralph Holmes in Montgomery, County, Alabama.
The Reverend Holmes joined the Mountain Hill Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama at an early age and later united with Johns Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Enterprise, Alabama after being stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1960. At Johns Chapel, he served with godly excellence in several capacities, including Trustee and Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. In later years he answered God’s call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he ministered to all who would listen until he was called home to be with the Lord. He was a Local Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving at his beloved local church and in the community. He was blessed with amazing wisdom and insight, and many sought his counsel in spiritual matters as well as in the matters of everyday life. Considered a gifted student of the Bible, many were blessed to hear him discuss the Word of God in great detail and celebrate the story of salvation through Jesus the Christ. His talks with family and friends always carried his unique brand of humor and special words that he crafted just to make his point!
The Reverend Holmes served the community by serving individuals who needed his help. He was an enthusiastic and hard-working volunteer, and served on the Board of Directors of the Christian Mission and Habitat for Humanity in Enterprise. He was a member of the Order of Masons.
His military career spanned 21 years of distinctive service in the United States Army, retiring with honor as a decorated Korean War Veteran and Vietnam War Veteran. He served two tours in the Vietnam War. He completed several peacetime overseas tours, including Germany and Hawaii, at times with his large family accompanying him. His wife has called him a wonderful provider for his family.