Rev. James Kenneth Holmes

Passed 06/04/2020

Obituary For Rev. James Kenneth Holmes

The Reverend James Kenneth Holmes, 58, husband of Debra Fennell Holmes, entered into the peace of God's eternity on Thursday, June 4th in the Memorial Medical Center, Savannah, GA. A man of faith, a soldier on the battlefield for the Lord, a preacher of the Gospel, he was the Pastor of the Springhill Baptist Church, Barkersville, SC and the First African Baptist Church, Yemassee, SC. He was the Moderator of the New Zion Baptist Association. His most recent employment was with R and L Transport Company, Yemassee, as a truck driver. Rev. Holmes leaves a rich legacy of a well-spent life to his wife, sons, grandchildren, mother, loved ones, his church family, and community. Visitation: Monday, June 8th, 3-7 pm Springhill Bapt. Church, 23660 Pocotaligo Road, Yemassee, SC. (In light of COVID-19 Guidelines, we respectfully ask that you view and exit the building so that others may have the same privilege.) Graveside Service: Tuesday, June 9th 11:00am Fennell Family Cemetery, Yemassee, SC. The family will forever embrace their precious memories and honor his legacy.

We ask that you pray for the family in the face of this transition and the days that are ahead. The family appreciates your expressions of condolence and thoughtfulness.



Guest Book

Dearest Debra and Family, "May you feel God's love and comfort, may your memories never fade, of the precious loved one that you lost, who in heaven you'll see someday." (Helen Steiner Rice) Praying for you and yours during this difficult time. Deborah Murdaugh and Family

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Condolences to the family members of my team mate. Richard Arnold State Basketball Ball Champions 79-80. James "Lil Bro" Temple

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Our condolences to you and your entire family during this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying that God will strengthen you all during this time and after this... Patricia,Josetta Brown and family.

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Was a teammate of Kenny's at the University of South Carolina. I take responsibility for introducing him to his wonderful wife Debra. I am stunned and saddened. We had just spent time together at the annual Legends (University of South Carolina Basketball Team) Reunion. He was a good teammate and a better person. His nickname was "Boo Boo"! He was a teddy bear with a jumpshot that was sweet as honey! My heartfelt condolences go out to Debra and the family! Terry L. Small, MBA University of South Carolina Men's Basketball 80-83!

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"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD..." Our thoughts, our love, and our prayers are with your family. We pray God will give you strength to get through this day and the days ahead. Love, Jasper & Karen Scott

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With our deepest sympathy during this difficult time in the passing of your loved one Pastor Holmes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Mother Emma Wright and Deloris Capers and family

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May God strengthen and keep you, the family of Rev. Holmes. May God's mercy and grace fill your spiritual and physical presence during this time of grief and hence forth. Rev. Jeremy Huggins and the Huggins Murdaugh Family, Orangeburg, SC

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On behalf of First Pine Savannah Baptist Church along with our officers and members, we extend our deepest sympathy to the Holmes family during your time of loss. We pray God will provide your hearts with comfort and strength. Pastor Henry L. Gordon and the First Pine Savannah Baptist Church Family

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Deepest Sympathy to the Family from Debra Roberts Daughtry and family RA C/O 1976

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On behalf of Rev. & Mrs. Henry L. Gordon and family, we would like to wish our sincerest condolences to the Holmes family. May God bless you with comfort, strength, and understanding to endure your loss. We love you.

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To Holmes Family, Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this dark time. Please know that our family is keeping you and yours in our prayers and thoughts." God promised a hope that we all look forward to in Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. We love you all: James and Maria Anderson

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To Debra and family, John and I was heart broken to hear of the passing of Rev. Holmes known to us as Kenny. Thoughts and prayer go out to you. GOD will never leave your side.Look up he will always be there. Love John and Carol Mixon

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Our Deepest Sympathy, Our hearts goes out to Mrs.Holmes and the entire family. I was heart broken when my nephew told me the news about Rev. Holmes. I will Always remember him as one of my players for the Preachers VS Deacons Basketball Game. and for calling me out when I move the tree from the Highway. Love you all. Luvenia Youmans, Lee A. Youmans, Rev. Renty Kitty, Rev. Donald Sheftall. ( Team Unity) Preachers VS Deacons Basketball of the LowCountry.

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Sending sincere and heartfelt condolence to the Holmes Family. It was a pleasure knowing Rev. Holmes and sought it an honor hearing him deliver God's words. I last heard him preached at Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, not so long ago. You all our in my prayers and may God grant you peace and comfort. Josie F-Anderson

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Debra & family So sorry for your loss. Words will never be adequate in such a situation Know that you & your family are in my daily prayers. GOD WILL see you through. RIP Soldier Heaven us Rejoicing. Love & prayers Evang. Mary (Lizzy) Mole Murray

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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during these painful times

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Debra I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God give you the strength you need each day as you go through. Much love and prayers Diane Green Murray class of 1980

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Sending my deepest condolences to the Holmes family. Love you all and I will continue to keep the family in my prayers.

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Hampton County Detention Center send our prayers and love to you Mrs. Debra and your Family. May God strengthen you during this difficult time.

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My college teammate and my friend. I have always respected and admired Kenny. My heart sunk when I read the news. Kenny and I shared many conversations over our years attending USC. We battled together on the court and Kenny was a warrior. I know this is a tremendous loss for his family and my heart goes out. I am truly saddened. Gerald Peacock

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We the family at New Birth Word of God send our deepest Condolences to the family. Our prayers are with the family and love ones.

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To the Holmes family on behalf of the Richard Arnold Alumni-Family, we bid our condolences to the Family of Rev. James Kenneth Holmes (Tree) our fellow eagle. We pray for God's peace and comfort in the transitioning of our brother.

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Dearest Debra and family, Please accept our deepest sympathies from all of us at Hampton County Emergency Services. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Love, Susanne D. Peeples

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We are deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you ,your family feel the love that surrounds you, now and always. Praying for your healing, comfort, strength, and peace during this painful time.... Celebrating an amazing life of Tree, wishing you comfort in your memories. Love Judee & Earl Jones

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My sincere condolences!! Praying for your family!!

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Our deepest sympathy to your family. May God's comfort be upon you during this time of bereavement.

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#52 from #4482, Chris Haggray

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To the Holmes family, my heart goes out to the family. Tree #52 Holmes was my longtime friend, classmate , rival in basketball later to become TEAMATES in football and basketball as Kenny earn the rights to be rank as the #1 player in the State of Georgia.. My prayers and condolence to his Dear wife and family. Many memories and honors we share. Loveya RIP52 FROM 4482!

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We send Our deepest Condolences to The Holmes Family.Sorry for your loss. Michael&Rosa Brown Richard Arnold C/O 81&82.(#Eagle4Life)

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There is love that will live forever, and there are memories that will shine through the sorrow. Thinking of the families and keeping everyone in prayer. Jacqueline Scott (Smith), Janyse, Tevin and family.

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His Journey had just begun "Don't think of him as gone away, His journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets, This earth is but one." Farewell my cousin Alice Mosley Jordan St Petersburg, Florida

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His Journey had just begun "Don't think of him as gone away, His journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets, This earth is but one." Farewell my cousin Alice Mosley Jordan St Petersburg, Florida

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To my fellow classmates from Richard Arnold High-school. Our deepest sympathy to your family. Kenny was always remembered as "Tree", had the mildest demeanor that we ever came across.Always there to talk with you or give advice. Though your hearts are heavy during this time of bereavement God's hand is there to guide and comfort you.Chuck&Laverne Frazier/C/O 80 & 81. We love you all.

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Sending Prayers and Condolences to the Holmes family. May God grant you strength and comfort in the days to come. Rosa L. Nesbitt Polite C/O 1980

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Our condolences to you and your family

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I, was so saddened to hear about Rev. Kenneth "Tree" Holmes my Richard Arnold High School Eagles Classmate "1980" passing. Know that all the Mighty Eagles are with you. To his wife Debra & Family praying and wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and many loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Classmate Sharon Davis & Family "1980"

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My fondest moment of knowing James (treetop) Holmes. Was in his purple CH Mack dump truck with his fellow dump truck drivers in line passing his wife job. He said on the CB, Everybody blow when we pass my wife job. And we all did. He loved his wife and his boys. 10-4 treetop. Jesus is waiting for you! HONK HONK! See you on the other side E-Z Rider out..... May God Bless this Family. I will cherish the days Preacherman, Treetop and E-Z Rider had our 3 man church service at Mullins Trucking Co. Rest in Peace.. Johnny Wilson

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My deepest condolences to the family from the Louder family in Savannah. Kenny touched all of our lives. He touched me in many ways taught me so much. Alan Myon Louder

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To the family you have my condolences I knew Kenny from high school playing on the stage at Richard Arnold, he was a great competitor I wish I knew him as a friend, Rest In Peace, Chris (Backyard) Franklin.

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Pray the family find comfort in these trying times God angels called him home he was a good man my condolences to the family...Mayan Bryant

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We are praying for the family , we worked together at R&L for a long time , always liked talking to you about hunting. Dave stressman

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On behalf of the Wilkerson Baptist Church family, during your time of grieving and forever more, please know the Wilkerson Church family is here for the immediate family as well as the Spring Hill and First African baptist church families. May God continue to bless all that you do.

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Your friend, Vincent Priester

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My heart is heavy with sadness and grief! Kenny, his brother Keith and I were literally "raised up" together in Savannah in the Frazier Homes projects! We were CLOSE friends from Gadsden Elementary to Richard Arnold H.S.! Before he became "Pastor Holmes" Kenny probably was best known for having one of the BEST turn-around jump shots in Savannah high school basketball history,probably in USC Gamecock history! As adults do as we get older he and I lost touch! But in recent years we reconnected and to me, he was still "Tree!" My sympathy and condolences to Debra, James, John & Jarvis and his grandkids! Rest In Power, Kenny, I believe you're legacy will be well preserved. Selah.

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To my classmate,I offer my condolences to you and your family. Sometimes there are not words to express what the heart wants to say. This I do know is that you and your family was the apple of your husband's eye.Take comfort in the Lord and one day at a time. Cecelia class of 1980.

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My condolences to the family, my prayers go out to the family, we had a great relationship working at R&L, you will be truly missed.

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I had two opportunities to sit and talk with this great man, and I was blown away. The 2nd time we met I asked him " Do you remember me?" He replies I can't forget that Charlesron accent and we laughed and enjoyed one another's presence. I see how he's been a gift to everyone around him. My condolences to the family! - Donovan McDaniel

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My condolences during your time of bereavement. Praying the peace of God will carry you through. Charmaine Wright & family

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My condolences to family.i don't know what to say but I know I will miss you very much.montrell( the drummer)

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Dear Cousin... I'm so sorry for loss. You and my cousins have my deepest sympathies, Kenneth was a good man for as long as I knew him. He was dedicated to his Family and The Lord... Love You All.. Toya Brown King & Family

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Continue to lean and stand on the word as it will bring you comfort. We will be praying for you! The Prioleau Family

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May God Bless and comfort the Holmes Family. Rev. Holmes was a mentor to me in the Gospel and as a Black African American Man. He taught me "You must live the testimony not just talk about it." I thank God for allowing Rev. Holmes to pour into my life. Be comforted family in knowing Rev. Holmes is in a better place. God Bless Elder Duane L. Solomon and Family

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My deepest condolences to you and your family. I will keep the Holmes and Fennell family in my prayers God Bless. Odree R. Wright. New York City

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My deepest condolences to you and your family. I will keep you the Holmes and Fennell in my prayers. God Bless. Odree R. Wright (NYC)

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Condolences to the family. Praying for comfort during this time of loss. Darlene Jackson

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So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family. Ben & Dora Jackson

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So sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. Continue to lean on God for your strength. He will help you all though this.

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May God comfort and strengthen you all like only He can during this time. My condolences and prayers to all of you.

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Debra, Kenneth, Jr., John, and Jarvis I will keep you all in prayer during this time of bereavement

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So sorry for your loss. for the family.

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Sorry to hear about Pastor Holmes. Praying for the Families. We will miss him

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MY CONDOLENCES TO THE HOLMES AND FENNELL FAMILY GOD BLESS EVERYONE IN THERE TIME OF NEED REV, HOLMES WILL TRULY BE MISS BY US ALL.

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Debra and children you have my Condolences and Sincere Sympathy. Keep your Hands in God's Hand, Leaning on Him will give you the Strength to go through . Sincerely, Linda Jenkins

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My Prayers are with you at this time. May God comfort and strengthen you. Evangelist Linda Bryan

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On behalf of the Silver Hill Baptist Church along with the officers and members, we send our deepest sympathy during this season. May God send you comfort and strengthen your heart. Pastor and First Lady Pearson and the Silver Hill Baptist church

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Me and Kenneth holmes used to rule the adult league basketball back in the day, best outside shoii ever seen. My deepest sympathy From Jimmy ( big jim) murcier and family

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We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences during your season of loss. May God comfort and strengthen you always. Peace and Love, Kevin & Vanessa Newbill and Family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Young Funeral Home, Inc.