John Ernest Holmes III

John Ernest Holmes III, 29, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at his home on December 29, 2024.
John was born in Six Mile, South Carolina, on March 21, 1995, the son of John Ernest and Lola Blye Carter Holmes Jr. He graduated from DW Daniel High School in Central, South Carolina, before answering his country's call to service. John enlisted in and served honorably in the Marine Corps before being discharged. Always desiring to further himself and his community, he attended UNC Charlotte where he majored in History and German while earning his minor in Religious Studies. Most recently, John had been pursuing and was about to finish his Master's degree in Public Administration.
While at UNCC, he met the love of his life, Nashaly Ruiz-Gonzalez. They were married and two years ago celebrated the birth of their daughter, Theo.
John was all about community and making it better for all. He was a huge advocate for pedestrian and cyclist friendly infrastructure in the city, which is why he was so passionate about urban planning and getting his Masters of Public Administration.
When a couple of large corporations took to proposing drive through only locations in part of Charlotte where drive throughs were not even allowed, John voiced his disagreement to such poor planning as it would affect the non-motorized traffic of the area. He was so passionate about it that when he was fired from his job for it, causing him to lose both his income and health insurance during a time when his wife was 7 months pregnant with their daughter, he still felt he made the right and only choice in standing for his principles on the issue. John didn't just work for a better city for his family and his community, he lived even when it cost him personally.
John went on to work for Civility Localized as a Public Engagement Officer and looked forward every day to how he could continue to improve the city he loved.
One may believe that with this passion for work, he didn't do anything but. He did have some free time, however, and when not working, John enjoyed music, with an eclectic taste that you had to know John to love. Kate Bush, The Beatles, Lorde and Weird Al Yankovich were just some of the many artists in his play lists. He also enjoyed the outdoors, cycling and camping when he could. As a proponent of non-motorized traffic infrastructure, he would even bike to work to enjoy not only the outdoors but the friends he made and met on his cycling journeys. Indoors, he enjoyed reading philosophy, photography and movies, all while enjoying a root beer as a self-proclaimed "Mug Maniac".
What John most enjoyed, as evidenced by his military service, his passion for his community and his commitment to his family, was helping others. His was a life of service and he found the reward of such giving in the simple things like playing with his daughter and spending time with his wife. John was truly a giving soul in a world that seemed to but take even when he gave it his all. His spark, smile, infectious laughter and friendship will truly be missed by all who knew him and Charlotte is a better place for the impact he had on it during his all too brief time on this earth.
John is survived by his wife, Nashaly Ruiz-Gonzalez; his daughter, Theo; his mother, Lola of Six Mile, SC; and his sister, Shira (husband Cody) Allen of Central, SC. He is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his father.
John's family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Visitation will begin at 2 pm with a Sharing of Memories service at 3 pm on Sunday, January 5, in the funeral home chapel, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. There will be a time for all to share their favorite memory of John so come with your best story of John. You are also encouraged to share your favorite story on John's Tribute Wall located here on his online memorial.
In honor of his life of giving and service, it is respectfully requested that memorials be given to the family during this difficult time. You may do so online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-a-hero-support-the-family-of-john-e-holmes-iii?qid=dc72c29430bb59a9a35faea70a4b3351
Thank you for keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.