Mr. Milton Woodrow Holmes, Jr., 70, husband of Debra Hayes Holmes, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home, following a period of declining health, with his family at his side, during the early morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Milton, a devoted husband, father, and Papa, was born on April 16, 1955, in Marion County, South Carolina, a son of the late Milton Woodrow Holmes, Sr. and the late Georgia Thompson Holmes. Milton was raised in Mullins and was a 1973 graduate of Mullins High School. Following high school, Milton began a career with American Tobacco, working with them for years until joining Core’Mark International, where he worked until retirement. Even though he was busy with work, Milton always put his family first. He was very active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, especially attending and cheering at their sporting events. He always made sure the candy jar and candy drawer were full for the children. He loved his family and close friends; they meant the world to him. Milton was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Mullins First Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon and taught in the youth department. Milt will be missed by all whose lives he touched, the laughs from his witty humor he caused, and the deep friendships he made, these memories will be cherished.
Milton is survived by his loving wife of the home, Debra Hayes Holmes; his beloved children: daughters, Nikki (Michael) Haberstich and Kelly (Jonathan) Powell; son, Matthew (Kelly) Holmes; the apples of his eye, his grandchildren: Kylee Coleman, Carter Coleman, Hayes Powell, Parker Holmes, Grayson Powell, and Levi Holmes; and his brothers: Michael (Debbie) Holmes and Damon (Jane) Holmes.
Mr. Holmes was predeceased by his parents, Milton W. Holmes, Sr. and Georgia Thompson Holmes, and a sister, Sandra Glenn.
The family will hold a graveside service for Mr. Holmes on Thursday, July 10, at 11:00 A.M. in Green Sea Cemetery, with the Reverend Robbie Baxley and Reverend James C. Shelley officiating, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service there at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in Milton’s honor to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 (or online https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate) or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 ( or online https://www.heart.org/en/why-give ).
Mr. Holmes’ family would like to extend a sincere “thank you,” to McLeod Hospice, especially his nurses Susie and Tatrise.
A guestbook for Mr. Holmes is available on our website or you may post to our Facebook wall kind words and memories for the family.
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