Joe Holmes

Major Joe "Buddy" Holmes age 90, of Pine Bluff, died Aug. 12, 2016, in his home. He was born June 30, 1926 in Jefferson County, Ark., to Alleen Niemeyer Holmes and George Henry Holmes. He was descended from pioneer families in Cleveland and Dallas Counties. In 1944, after graduating from Rison High School, Joe volunteered in the United States Navy. He served on the USS San Saba in the Pacific. Joe attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and earned BSBA and LLD degrees. After working for the Arkansas Legislative Council at the State Capitol, Joe joined Kemp Toney in the practice of law in Pine Bluff. He taught law at the Fuhr School of Business during 1954 and 1955. He served as Prosecuting Attorney of the 11th Judicial District from 1965 through 1974. Joe was a Kappa Sigma, a Mason, a Shriner, a Jester, a Veteran of Foreign Wars member and a member of the American Legion. Joe was past president of the Jefferson County Bar Association and the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association. He was a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and the Arkansas Bar Foundation. Joe was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board and as a Trustee. He taught Sunday school in the adult and children's departments and was a member of the Danho Sunday School Class. Joe was a former president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Civitan, and Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was named an honorary board member of the Salvation Army. Politics was an important aspect of Joe's life. He remembered that as a 6 year-old child he handed out political cards and asked, "Will you vote for my daddy?" Retiring after 37 years practicing law, Joe spent his time cutting firewood for friends, hunting, fishing and playing dominos and bridge. He and his wife of 64 years traveled in their motor home to all the continental United States and to Canada and Mexico. They also traveled to Hawaii and to numerous foreign countries. Joe is survived by his wife, Claire Coleman Holmes; their three children, David (Karen), Bill (Julie) and Anne de Noble (Tim); their nine grandchildren, Pruitt Holmes. Martha Holmes Miller (Jackson), Henry Holmes, Olivia Holmes, Ariel Holmes, Forest Holmes, William de Noble, Henry de Noble and Harris de Noble; his sisters, Martha Greenwood and Frances McClain. Joe was predeceased by his parents, his brother, George N. Holmes and his sister, Carolyn Reaves and his half-brother, Wade Holmes. Memorial services will be Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements are by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8003, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71611. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.