Gary L. Holmes, Sr., 80, a resident of Tylertown, MS passed away on September 6, 2026 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 5 PM until 8 PM, continuing Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 9 AM until services at 11 AM. Bro. Mack McElveen will officiate and burial will be 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 twenty 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; three brothers: Lemuel Horace Holmes, Jr., Charles Rex Holmes, Sr., and one infant; one sister Dorothy Faye Mygrant; two nephews: Lemuel Horace Holmes, III and Roger Holmes, Sr.; two nieces: Janet Johnston and Jasmine Martin; and his mother-in-law Mary Louise Smith.

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

Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be his oldest friend Harold Edward Daniels, his brother-in-law Aaron “Juan” Johnston; his nephew Barry Pierce, and his co-worker Glen Alexander.

The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice Compassus for their care over the past few days.