Harold Edward Holmes

Harold Edward Holmes was the second of seven children born to the late Patrick and Rosetta Holmes on January 10, 1938, in Grafton, Virginia. Harold accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Grafton Baptist Church. Harold’s parents encouraged their children to never stop learning. They stressed the importance of education and instilled in them strong values and work ethics.

Harold was instrumental in the formation of Holmes Sanitation with his father. They saw a need for sanitation services in their community and began providing essential services. In 1956, after graduating from James Weldon Johnson High School, Harold enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at many stateside Air Force bases and his overseas tours included Vietnam, France, Okinawa, Philippines, and Japan. He received many awards and medals and retired as a Master Sergeant and the EEO Officer at Williams AFB in Chandler, AZ in 1977.

Upon his retirement, Harold remained in Phoenix and worked for the Arizona State Department of Health Services as the EEOC Compliance Officer. He then joined Sentry Insurance Company, where he developed the Sales Training Program that was raved about by top executives. Harold, never forgetting the importance of education, went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Ottawa University, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior from the University of Phoenix.

He joined US West Communications (Century Link) in their Home Office Division (consistently receiving top monthly sales honors) and transitioned to their cable company Media One (ComCast) until his retirement from corporate America in 2000. Harold went on to establish Holmes and Associates, Inc., a business consulting company focused on quality management, providing tools and training for new startups, and developing processes to improve his clients’ bottom line.

Harold and Bishop Henry Barnwell founded a Gospel Choir at Williams AFB. He also established “Camp Willie” for children on the base. Harold taught business courses at Phoenix College, mentored Junior Achievement youth, and was a Director for the Anytown program.

In 2014, Harold met Malcolm Hankins, a young Pastor who ministered to the homeless in Townsend Park every Sunday morning. Harold supported Pastor Hankins by becoming a resource for the congregation providing them with information on housing, jobs, transportation, food and anything else they needed. Harold was there every Sunday morning ministering and assisting with the completion of the necessary applications for assistance. This is who Harold was -- always helping those in need. Pastor Hankins and his family became an extension of the Holmes family.

Harold, the political activist, was very active in the Democratic Party at the state, county and district levels in Arizona until his health started to decline. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Lions Club, and Gamma Mu Sigma Pi Phi Boule.

Harold enjoyed a good game of racquetball. He was a veracious reader – always had a book in his hand or close by. History and politics were favorite topics of reading and discussion. He enjoyed good music, especially jazz, and boy could he dance! Traveling was one of his favorite things to do. He loved getting in his car and taking weekend trips.

Just as his parents encouraged him in pursuing a good education, he did the same with his children – always encouraging them to read and to be lifelong learners. He was also there cheering them on in their activities: Scouting, Soccer, Karate, Junior Golf, Gymnastics, Piano, Volleyball and Church and School programs.

When Harold arrived at the Gates of Heaven, he was met by his daughter Veretta (GiGi), parents Patrick and Rosetta Holmes, and sister Pearl H. Chisman.

A devoted husband and father, Harold leaves to continue his legacy and cherish memories of him, Ellen Carolyn, his wife of 43 years; children Carmen Reese (Michael) of Atlanta, GA, Jason (Jessica Conter) of Frederick, MD, and Jessica Netzel (Cody) of Kankakee, IL; and grandchildren Cody Williams, Jeremiah and Avery Holmes, and Cole and Ellen Netzel. He also leaves to mourn his siblings Calvin Sr. (Darlene) of Roanoke, VA, Barbara Holmes of Keller, TX, Lois Morgan of Lone Tree, CO, Linda Buie (Arnesta Johnson) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Velma Holmes of Buckeye, AZ, and a host of family and friends.

Harold’s warmth, kindness and love for life will be deeply missed by all who have known him.

A visitation for Harold will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Harold to the Barrows Neurological Institute Foundation/ Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, 2910 N. 3rd Avenue. Suite 450 Phoenix, AZ 85013.