Robert Holmes

Robert (Bobby)
Holmes
BRIDGEWATER
Robert (Bobby) Douglas Holmes, of Clark Rd., Bridgewater, NY, passed away Friday, March 6, 2015, at his home, with his loving wife and family at his side, at the age of 78. He was born August 8, 1936, the son of Everett and Esther Brown Holmes in Bridgewater, NY. He was educated and graduated from Bridgewater Central School in 1955. After graduation, he served in the US Army from 1955-1958. Bobby married Eleanor Green on November 8, 1958, in Bridgewater, NY. He retired from the United Parcel Service in 1991 after 30 years of loyal service. He devoted his life to his family and was a friend to all who were fortunate enough to have met him. He loved doing what he did best, working with The Youth Outreach Program, which he founded in 1987, and the Oneida County Scared Straight Program. Bobby spent many years walking the halls of Thomas R. Proctor High School, Utica, NY, as well as visiting schools in many of the districts throughout the State, fighting the war against the use of illegal drugs. Anyone who had the opportunity to hear a motivational speech given by Bobby will forever remember it. He has received numerous awards from both local and State levels. In 2013, he took his place in the "Oneida County Ellis Historical Hall of Fame" book and, the newly published, "Legendary Locals of Greater Utica". Bobby's passions in life were many, including gardening, landscaping, and organizing the annual "Bonfire" at their home for many family and friends. Also, Bobby was an extremely gifted athlete, loved golfing, football, basketball, and in 1959, received a letter from the Philadelphia Philly's Baseball Organization to attend spring training camp, but chose to stay close to home with his new bride and family. Bobby is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Eleanor Green Holmes; his son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Julie Holmes, of Fountain Valley, CA; his daughter, Brenda Holmes Williams, of Utica, NY; daughter-in-law, Sheila Holmes, of Rome, NY; his five adopted great-grandsons, Eric and Derick Taylor Holmes, and Robert, Pernell and Alphonso Linen Holmes, all of Bridgewater, NY; nine grandchildren, Melissa and husband, Christopher Prest, Ginger Lester, Beatrice Holmes, Robert Holmes, Dale Holmes, Eleanor and husband, Michael Jackson, and Jared and wife, Bernie Holmes, all of Utica, NY, Brian Holmes, and Jason and wife, Dawn Holmes, of Rome, NY; and 34 great-grandchildren; his brother, Reginald Holmes, of Bridgewater, NY; sisters, Juanita Holmes Bass, of Frankfort, NY, Leona Ruth Holmes Booth, of Rochester, NY, Deloris Holmes Gaston, and Deborah Holmes Getman, of Utica, NY; as well as many nieces and nephews, close relatives and friends. Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Brian Holmes, who passed away on January 26, 2004, and his great-granddaughter, Lynn'iya Serenity Holmes, who passed away on October 24, 2012. Visitation will be Monday (today) from 4-8 and Tuesday from 12-1 at the Smith Funeral Home, 3022 Oneida St., Sauquoit, with funeral services commencing at 1:00 on Tuesday, immediately following visitation. Robert Holmes will be laid to rest in The New Forest Cemetery in Utica, NY, in the Spring. The Family of Robert Holmes wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Chabot and his staff, The Visiting Nurses Association, Hospice and Palliative Care, his sister-in-law Ruthie Green, his niece Joyce Bass, and numerous family members. In lieu of flowers, those who care to may contribute to the family of Eleanor Holmes at P.O. Box 111, Bridgewater, NY 13313.