April 6, 1932 – May 17, 2018
Bill Holmes, 86, went to tell Saint Peter some stories on May 17, 2018.
Bill was born April 6, 1932 to Willie Kate Holford Holmes and Fred Holmes. Bill grew up in Garland, was a charter member of Boy Scout Troop 57 and graduated Valedictorian of Garland High School. After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech in 1953, he joined the Army. Bill returned to Garland to wed Jean Taggart. He worked for DeSoto, Inc. for 35 years, was president of the National Paint Society, a leader in Troop 57 and a lifelong member and historian at First United Methodist Garland.
He traveled Texas extensively with his family, stopping at every historical marker and county courthouse en route to their next camping spot. Bill and his wife Jean were avid bird watchers having traveled to all 50 states as well as internationally, sighting thousands of bird species. He played tennis until he was 84.
Bill never met an audience he couldn’t charm. He loved telling a good story – multiple times – and “never let the facts get in the way.” Bill was known for his mischievous humor, abounding faith, occasional wisdom and innate sense of direction (one in-eight times he might get it right).
Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Willow. He is survived by his adoring and adorable wife Jean Taggart Holmes, sister Sue Watkins, daughter Glynn and son-in-law Charlie Rasor, son Noel S and daughter-in-law Noel W Holmes; grandchildren Lauren, Kelsey and Jocelyn Rasor, Will and Zach Holmes; great-grandson Ryder Vega; brother-in-law Gary Taggart; nieces and nephews Meg Walls and Mindy Duffee, Karen Chandler, Krista Taggart, and Alan Taggart, Kenny McClintock and Kelly Cleaver, Tammy Williams and Tal Taggart, as well as many loved cousins, in-laws, and grand nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Noel, Will and Zach Holmes, Charlie Rasor, Tal and Trace Taggart and Hunter Williams. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Koinonia class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to FUMC Foundation.
Visitation is Sunday, 4 p.m. -6 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Service is Monday 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Garland.