Bobby Ray Holmes

Bobby Ray Holmes passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on September 17, 1938. Bobby Ray Holmes was born in Sylacauga, Alabama,the oldest of seven children and lived a life defined by hard work, faith, service, curiosity, and an unwavering love for people and community.

As a child, Bobby moved to the Coosa County (Stewartsville) area, where he completed the 8th grade in a small rural school with water drawn from a spring, a single large coal heater, no lunchroom, and outdoor bathhouses. He lived in a home without electricity until the age of seven. These early experiences shaped the grit, humility, and appreciation for opportunity that stayed with him throughout his life.

Bobby transferred to Sylacauga High School in the 9th grade. For four years, he rose at 5:00 a.m. to travel into town with his father, who operated Holmes Curb Market on Broadway. He graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1957 and later attended Jacksonville State College for two years—often remarking that he “should have stayed, but didn’t.”

Bobby was baptized in Jim McClure Muddy Pond at Macedonia Church by Brother Charles Moore. He was a lifelong man of faith and an original member of the Red Neck Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, a class that still exists today and which he attended whenever he could.

He was proud to be a 60-year Master Mason, and his primary charity was Zamora Temple Shriners. Bobby served 21 years on the Potentate’s Staff, helping support Shriners Hospitals—particularly their work for children with burns, cleft palates, and physical disabilities—where no family is ever charged for care.

Bobby married Barbara Summers, and together they raised two sons, Lee and Ray Holmes, whom he loved deeply and was immensely proud of—not only for the work they accomplished, but for the men and fathers they became.

An entrepreneur at heart, Bobby founded more than 36 businesses throughout Sylacauga and surrounding areas, including Sylacauga Curb Market; Sylacauga Wholesale Produce; Bob’s Carpet Golf; City Produce Company; Foy-Bob Sport Center; Cedar Creek Marina; Bob Holmes Sports Center; Southern Boat & Trailer Manufacturing; Industrial Fiberglass Repair; Comet Mini Mart & Restaurant; Comet Pawn Shop & Title; Comet Auto Sales; Homestead U-Pick Farm; Sylacauga Battery Company; Homestead Mobile Home Park; Homestead Properties; Fish & Ski Marine (Anniston); 431 One Stop C-Store (Anniston); L & R Wholesale Tackle Company; Homestead Nursery & Tree Sales; Comet Bait Shop; four fireworks stands—and many more ventures rooted in opportunity and service all of which contributed significantly to the local community and economy.

Bobby semi-retired in 2008 and started Holmestead Farm, a U-Pick operation that became very successful. Earlier in his career, he founded Sylacauga Marine in 1965, which his two sons, Lee and Ray Holmes, later grew into a thriving and successful business.

Outside of business, Bobby lived fully. He raised large gardens, raced cars, motorcycles, and boats, participated in drag racing, coached Little League baseball and football, skied and taught skiing, and never missed the chance to meet new people or try something new—even if it didn’t always work out.

He believed deeply in community, neighbors, and shared values. In his own reflection, Bobby once wrote that if he ever had the chance to start over, he would return to where he began—with good people and good neighbors. He questioned whether he would choose to start again in today’s world, wondering how it had become so filled with chaos and destruction—words that reflect both his honesty and his longing for decency.

Bobby Ray Holmes lived a life of action, generosity, faith, and boldness. His legacy lives on through his family, his businesses, his church, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

⸻

Family

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Lynn Holmes; his mother, Velma Bowden Holmes; and his brothers, Foye Holmes and Ted Holmes.

He is survived by Mary Stubblefield Kimerling, his life partner, his sisters, Evonne Lee (Alan) and Cindy Elliott; his sons, Lee Holmes and Ray Holmes (Pam); his grandchildren, Walker Holmes, Tate Holmes, Chloe Holmes, and Kaycee Holmes; and his great-grandchild, Elle Holmes.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 5 at 4:00 PM at Curtis and Son North Chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at http://www.curtisandsonfh.com. The family will receive flowers or donations my be made to Zamora Shriners, P. O. Box 159, Clay, Al. 35048. Curtis and Son Funeral Home North Chapel will direct the service.

Curtis and Son Funeral Home

1315 Talladega Highway

Sylacauga, AL 35150

256-245-4361