Ralph T. Holmes, Jr.

Ralph Turbiville Holmes, Jr. passed on to his hereafter on January 3, 2017. Born on June 20, 1928, he was predeceased by his parents, Ralph T. Holmes, Sr. and Annie Hinson Holmes, and his sister, Ann Holmes Baumer. Ralph T., as he was known to family and friends, is survived by his sister, Gloria Holmes Long. “Daddy” is also survived by his daughters, Jayne Holmes Elder (Kelly), Ann Farrington Holmes (Dale Watson), and Laura Holmes Polk (Brett). In addition, “Big Daddy” leaves behind grandchildren Wilton Elder III, Holmes Elder (Sara Wood), Amanda Elder, Sarah Elder Bruce (Iain), Ralph Polk, Ann Polk and Forrest Polk, and two great-grandchildren, Holmes Elder, Jr. and Beck Elder. He was “Uncle Bubba” to three nieces and a nephew - Ann Long (Bill Bullard), Forrest Long (Jane Dove), Gloria Cassels Jackson (Lee), and Susan Cassels Varnedoe (Heeth). Ralph T. was born in Charlotte, NC and grew up in Statesville, NC. He was an avid and talented golfer, a pastime he enjoyed into his 60s. He loved to read and listen to jazz. He was a perfectionist, and his motto was, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” He graduated high school from Oak Ridge Military Academy and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He served in Army Intelligence during the Korean Conflict, followed by a rewarding career as an industrial engineer. Upon retirement he moved to Vero Beach, FL to realize his love of the sun and the beach. Ralph T. lived in Pinehurst NC for several years and then moved to Asheville, NC where he lived for the past 6 years. He was a devoted wildlife defender and lover of animals. Although his activities were somewhat curtailed in his later years, he contributed to the causes he believed in, including the World Wildlife Fund. Upon his 88th birthday in June, he was dubbed “Piano Man” (88 keys on the keyboard) by his daughters, a moniker he greatly enjoyed. We will sorely miss our Piano Man. A memorial service will be held at Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, NC on Friday, January 6 at 2:00. Private burial at Oakwood Cemetery.