Raymond Thomas Holmes Jr.

HOLMES, Raymond Thomas Jr., age 84, passed away at his home September 19, 2010. Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alma Holmes; brothers, Stanley and Stuart; sister, Shirley Maxey; and beloved grandson, Samuel Evan Farrar. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Evelyn Rainey Holmes; sons, Raymond Thomas Holmes III, Robert Gardner Holmes (Mona); daughters, Susan Holmes Prather (Stuart) and Ann Holmes Farrar Johnson (Mark); eight grandchildren, Brian, Melissa, Christie, Sarah, Brenton, Joey, Hannah and Caleb; six great-grandchildren, Jacob, Tanner, Alden, Tracie, Amelia and Evan. He was an adoring grandfather, and a constant source of support for his family and especially his children. He is also survived by a brother, Preston T. Holmes. Mr. Holmes was a WWII veteran and received the Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge and Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Holmes graduated from the University of Richmond in 1946, and was selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was a member and officer of the Richmond Association Phi Beta Kappa. He completed his work as a CPA while working for Mitchell, Wiggins and Smith. Mr. Holmes served as financial director at Ferrum College from 1957 to 1966 and was part of the administrative team that provided the foundation for the Ferrum College of today. In 1966, he was appointed comptroller at Richmond Professional Institute. He held that position until RPI was merged with the Medical College of Virginia to become Virginia Commonwealth University. When organizing the administration for the newly formed university, President Warren Brandt appointed Mr. Holmes to the position of Vice-President for Finance. After holding that position for several years, he finished his career there as professor of accounting. For most of his life, Mr. Holmes was very active in the United Methodist Church. He held membership and was active in Beulah United Methodist Church, St. James United Methodist Church in Ferrum, Va., Bon Air United Methodist Church, and most recently at Trinity United Methodist Church in Amelia, Va. He served on various committees at the district and conference levels, including chairman of the Committee on Higher Education. He was a delegate to the Virginia Annual Conference for many years and often attended even when not a delegate. He was active in the Lions Club at Ferrum, and Rotary Club in Richmond, Va. One of his great interests was The Richmond Home for Ladies, where he served on the board, and as Chairman of the Board for many years. He was Chairman of the Board when it was developed into Covenant Woods. The family wishes to thank The Hospice of Virginia for its compassionate support, and the loyal and loving support from the area caregivers. Visitation will be held at Bliley's-Chippenham Chapel, from 3 to 7 p.m., on September 21, 2010. Service will be held at Bliley's on September 22, 2010 at 10 a.m., followed by a private burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester. Flowers are welcome, but the family suggests donations to Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Ave., Suite 100, Richmond, Va. 23226.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.