Charles Rudolph Holmes

Charles Rudolph Holmes was born to the late Herbert & Estelle Holmes
on October 15, 1945 in Essex County, VA. God called him home to be
with our Heavenly Father on Monday, February 3rd, 2020. Charles was
preceded in death by his two sisters Gladys Berry and Mary Holmes, three
brothers; Herbert, Andrew and Nathan Holmes.

At an early age, Charles accepted Christ and was baptized at the Mt. Olive
Baptist Church in Hustle, VA. He later joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church
in Supply, VA. Charles attended public in schools in Essex County and
graduated from Essex High School in 1965. After graduating, he went
into the workforce with AT & T telephone Company in Warsaw, VA. With
his experience and expertise, he went on to work for Washington Gas
Light Company where he retired after 37 years of service in 2006. Charles
was also dedicated member and past Master and Treasurer of the Prince
Hall Lodge, No 61. He was an avid sports fan and a die-hard Washington
Redskins fan. He enjoyed watching the games with family and friends
especially when they were playing the Dallas Cowboys. Charles enjoyed
keeping up with the news and educating himself on political matters.
Charles was an active and devoted member of the Ebenezer Baptist
Church until his health began to diminish. He served faithfully as past
Treasurer & member of the Trustee Board, past Chairman and member
of the Usher’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Communications Ministry and
Ground Maintenance Ministry.

Charles was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Vernell
Johnson on June 24th, 1978. To this union, one daughter was born,
Demetria Chanelle Holmes. Charles was a loving and devoted husband,
father, and grandfather. He was a friend to all who knew him and was
always willing to lend a helping hand. He thoroughly enjoyed spending
time with his four grandchildren, attending their games and supporting
them at school events. He taught them many life lessons that they will
forever cherish. To them, he was affectionately known as Papa.

Charles leaves to cherish great memories to his devoted wife Vernell of 42
years, devoted daughter Demetria, four grandchildren, Tinaisha, Timothy,
Nasir, and Amora; two sisters, Susie Lewis and Antoinette Pompeg, one
brother Norman Holmes; one Aunt, Virginia Miller of Washington, DC;
three Sisters in law, Jean Holmes, Beverly Johnson (Terry) and Elizabeth
Johnson; one brother in law Arthur Johnson (Constance), Special friends
William and Ann Cole; God son Jay Chapman, God daughter Shardae
Boyd; Cassandra Chapman who was like a daughter and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins & friends.