Dr. Howard G. Holmes MD

Dr. Howard G. Holmes, MD age 70 of Lenoir City, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023. He was born in Corpus Christi, TX on October 1, 1952. Dr. Holmes was an internal medicine physician. He graduated medical school in 1983 and worked in various places until he came to Lenoir City in 1993, established Physicians Clinic, and made a home for himself here. He had over 40 years of experience in the medical field.
One of his fondest memories was as a child living in Venezuela from ages 5 to 10, living on a compound provided by the Sinclair Oil Company where his father was an oil company superintendent. Dr. Holmes has kept in touch with several of his childhood friends from that period of time, including the Patterson family, of who he was very fond.
Dr. Holmes was known by his patients as an always caring and concerned physician. He was an excellent communicator and an active listener, who thoroughly explained the patient's medical condition, his recommendations for their care, and the medications and treatments he was prescribing. He placed special emphasis on ensuring that his patients understood the specific medications he was prescribing, for what each was needed, how and when to take them correctly, and what they needed to do to assist in their own care at home.
Dr. Holmes ensured that his patient's questions were answered and that they thoroughly understood the details of their treatment and care.
Dr. Holmes was compassionate to individual patient's ability to pay and concerned and caring of financial situations that might affect them being able to afford payment for prescribed prescriptions. He often gave samples from the office supply if available. He did not hesitate to request his nursing staff call the pharmaceutical sales representative for delivery of additional supplies when needed for patients.
Dr. Holmes nursing staff was often emphasized when patients were discussing Dr. Holmes practice; their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Amber, Kayla, Dixie, and Brandy to name a few of the significant others through the years, that contributed to the consistently high ratings of patients satisfaction. He enjoyed students rotating through his medical practice. He fondly remembered Tia, who is now a superb nurse practitioner.
Being a patient of Dr. Holmes for close to 20 years and working with him on several special projects during that time, it is a little known fact that Dr. Holmes hated needles. He hated to get shots and hated when it was needed to give shots to his patients. As one of those patients I am certain his other patients were as joyful this was the case!
Dr. Holmes maintained close working relationships with a large group of colleagues, including those to whom he referred his patients needing the care of specialists. On one occasion a specialist who consistently received patient referrals asked Dr. Holmes, "what are you doing Howard, trying to send my kids to college? I appreciate your referrals." To which Dr. Holmes replied that in fact, he was trying to do just that!
Howard attended the Crossroads Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Don Hawkins. Ted and Frances Wampler introduced the Holmes to the Crossroads Church family and they attended Mr. Ted Wampler's Sunday school class as well.
Dr. Holmes was preceded in death by his father and mother, Oscar and Elizabeth (Rives). He is survived by his wife, Melissa (Georgie) Holmes.
A very sincere thank you to Angie and Vicki, special friends and caregivers for Dr. Holmes.
No services will be conducted.
Written by Linda Williams Knight, PhD- a loving patient and friend of Dr. Holmes