Elmer C. Holmes, Sr.

The Life of Elmer Claggett Holmes, Sr. 

On December 17, 2024, Elmer Claggett Holmes, Sr., was called home to be with the Lord at his residence. He was born to the late Emma Jane Claggett and Samuel Arthur Holmes on July 11, 1934, in Rushmere, Virginia.

Elmer accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, joined First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where he remained faithful until his death. He served in the Men’s Ministry and loved supporting the annual Memorial Day Fellowship.

He was a Native Rushmere Waterman since his youth, where he enjoyed crabbing, fishing, and oystering, with his father, brothers, cousins, and sons at Bailey’s and Tyler’s Beaches. He also worked with his family exporting and shipping seafood all along the East Coast.

Elmer married the love of his life, the former Eula May Parker, on March 25, 1957, for 67 years. To this union, God added three sons Ortimus “Ray”, Elmer Claggett, Jr., and Samuel Arthur. He was a provider of his household, who lived by example as he taught his children to work hard, respect their elders, and serve God with all of their heart, mind, and soul. He loved to travel via land, air, and sea. 

Elmer served in the United States Army earning the rank of Private First Class, at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and Ft. Benning, Georgia, after being honorably discharged, he relocated back to Rushmere, Virginia. He was employed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company for 35 years. He worked in Department X36 Rigger’s and the Material Toolroom, until his retirement. In addition to working in the Shipyard, he worked for 9 years for Colonial Williamsburg. 

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William, Stanley, Arthur, Jr., Eunice, Alma, Harold, and Joshua. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Eula P. Holmes; sons Ortimus “Ray” Holmes (Lena), of Smithfield, Virginia, Elmer C. Holmes, Jr., of Carrollton, Virginia, and Samuel A. Holmes, (Leetrice), of Hampton, Virginia; three grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; sister Barbara H. Robertson of Smithfield, Virginia; sisters-in-law Inetha Holmes of Carrollton, Virginia, Mary Holmes of Lynchburg, Virginia, Shirlene Greene of Smithfield, Virginia, and Jolene Parker of Smithfield, Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. 

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, viewing will be held from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11am on Monday, December 23, 2024 a Celebration of Life will be held at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Interment will be held at the Albert G. Horton, Jr, Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Please keep the Holmes family in your thoughts and prayers.