Richard Lee "Dick" Holmes

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me on that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Richard Lee Holmes was born on June 17, 1934, in Bishopville, South Carolina to the late James Edward and Louise Holmes. He was called home on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in New Jersey at the age of 89.

Richard attended the Public School system in Sumter, South Carolina. In 1956 Richard moved to New Jersey and became a truck driver and mechanic at the age of 22 years old. Richard later met the love of his life, the late Dorothy Mae Clark and married in April of 1959. From this union, they were blessed with five children. 

Throughout his life, Richard was employed for many years by ShopRite where he was a tractor-trailer driver. He later decided to work independently, purchased his own truck, and drove for many different companies while mentoring and teaching others about the trucking industry and how to drive.

After marrying Dorothy, Richard later joined Guiding Star United Holy Church in Roselle, NJ, and would often travel up and down the highway with the Five Tone gospel singing group which Dorothy (Dot) was a member of. 

Richard currently lived in Linden, NJ in a senior building, he was known as “Mr. Rich” but known as “Dick” to his family and friends. He had a friendly personality and loved to laugh and to make people laugh. He was a kind-spirited individual and was loved by many. Although he adored his friends, he cherished the relationship that he had with his five children, grandchildren, great grand, his nieces, nephews and cousins. 

His daily and weekly phone buddies were cousin Ikey Holmes (California) nephew George Holmes “Junior” (North Carolina), nephew Stevie Holmes (Willingboro) niece Martha Chandler “Lumpy” (Linden) niece Helen Hopkins (union) niece Louise White (North Carolina) and long-time friend James, BKA Jimmy Brown (Colonia)

 Richard leaves to Cheris fond memories: his five children, Deborah Denise Spann (husband Johnny) Tammy Lynn Holmes, Donna Marie Holmes, Richard Brian Holmes (wife Michelle) Antoine Maurice Holmes (wife Dana) four Grandchildren, Jordan Spann, Kaiya Spann, Jasmin Holmes and Zion Holmes, one great-granddaughter, Samia Spann, one Godson Oliver Allen “Noel” and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rest in peace Dad, Pop Pop, uncle, cousin, friend. We loved you but God Loved you more.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family