Feb. 26, 1918 – April 14, 2016

NATCHEZ — Services for Jeff Holmes Sr., 98, of Natchez, who died Thursday, April 14, 2016, at his residence, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at New Hope Missionary Vision Center with the Rev. LeRoy White officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Mr. Holmes was born Feb. 26, 1918, in Adams County on Poplar Grove Plantation, the son of Lillian Holmes.

Mr. Holmes was employed by New and Hughes Drilling Company. He was retired.

He was also a member of the United Spiritual Singers, a quartet group.

Mr. Holmes accepted Christ at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church and served as a deacon for more than 50 years. He later became senior deacon and remained a faithful member until his death.

On Sept. 18, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during World War II. After his tour, he was honorably discharged. He was a mason with Elijah Lodge No. 1 and served as worshipful master for a number of years.

Mr. Holmes enjoyed spending time with family, singing and loved attending church.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his grandfather, Jeff Holmes, who raised him; son-in-law, Fred Minor; and two grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Holmes; three sons, Jeff Holmes Jr. and wife, Bobbie, Louis E. Holmes and George Holmes and wife, Jennifer; six daughters, Carol L. Minor, Audrey Williams and husband, Chris, Alice M. Holmes, Shirley Thomas and husband, Troy, Patricia Minor and husband, James, and Concithia R. Holmes-King; 33 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and special neighbors, Jermaine and Nicole Proby.