Jerry H. Holmes, 86, of Social Circle, passed away June 23. Mr. Holmes, a Purple Heart recipient, was a veteran of the United States Army. He proudly served his country during World War II, the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, and served as a guard for General George S. Patton.

He was a lifelong resident of Social Circle, a member of First Baptist Church of Social Circle and the Dawson Masonic Lodge #68, of Social Circle, for more than 60 years. Mr. Holmes was a residential framer for more than 50 years, and was owner and operator of T & J Holmes, Inc. He was an avid Braves fan, and enjoyed vegetable gardening. Mr. Holmes was a strong family man and loved his family dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred (Walker) Holmes; his son David Eugene Holmes; his parents, Clem and Mary Nela (Pugh) Holmes; his sister Ruby Ellis; and his brother Melvin Holmes.

Survivors include his children Rita and Clay Harris, Terry (Pete) and Emily Holmes, Karen (Candy) Holmes, all of Social Circle; daughter-in-law and her husband, Joanne and Gene Loyd; sisters and brothers, Jeanette Ellington of Oxford, Bobby G. Holmes of Monroe, Adrian and Larry Capes of Covington, Faye and Ronald Johnson of Covington, Dianne and Sidney Reagin of Conyers; sister-in-law, Mary Holmes of Newborn; grandchildren, Beth DeLoach, Leslie DeMars, Jarred Harris, Rodney Holmes, Kevin Harris, Jeremy Holmes, Phillip Loyd, Justin Holmes, Corby Holmes; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Holmes were held Tuesday, June 26 at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home. The Rev. Mike Hardy and Rev. Danny Sorrells officiated, and interment followed in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made in Mr. Holmes' honor to: First Baptist Church of Social Circle, P.O. Box 428, Social Circle, GA 30025.