"The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding…Isaiah 28:26 NLT.

Life's Journey

Bobby Harold Holmes was born April 3,1948, the 10th child of thirteen, born to the late T.C. Holmes, Sr. and Beulah Robinson Holmes. He grew up on the family farm in the St. John Community where he attended school and church. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership and guidance of the late Rev. Spencer Brown.

His high school years were spent at Anna Strong High School where he was a member of the infamous "Class of 67". Bobby answered the call to serve his country in 1967 during the Vietnam Era with the U.S. Army serving in Germany. He obtained the rank of Sargent and was honorably discharged in 1969.

After a short stay in Chicago, he returned to Marianna and joined his father in the family farming business. He was a proud third generation farmer and farm life was his passion. He was a thinker, planner, mentor and consultant to many over the years.

In 1973, he married the love of his life, Wilma, and to this union two children were born.

The Bobby Holmes Family was named Lee County Farm Family in 2002.

The passion for equal rights for Minority Farmers was always heavy on his heart, so when the opportunity presented itself, he became one of the ten founding board members for the National Black Growers Council. Visiting fellow board members farms in Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and the experience of lobbying at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. with the group were some of the highlights of his life. He became the father figure to the other board members from Virginia, Florida and North Carolina but never got to visit their farms.

Bobby presently served as the President of the Lee County Water Association.

Preceding him in death were his mother and father, three sisters: Cora Beasley, Birdia Mae Jones and Josephine Brown and three brothers: Lloyd Holmes, T.C. Holmes Jr., and Sherwin Holmes.

Left to celebrate his life and continue his legacy is the love of his life for 51 years (December 29th) Wilma Motley Holmes. His children: Kevin (Sharon) Holmes Sr. of Marianna, AR, Kamara Holmes of Greensboro, NC, and Gerald (Angie) Polk of Detroit, MI. His grandchildren: Kevin Jr. (Meci), Kris, Ciara, Graham and Austin and his siblings: Willie, Maxine, Claudine, Constance, Clareatha, Robert & Nephew Marvin. Special 1st Cousin Deidre Holmes.

"The Lord of Heaven's Armies is a wonderful teacher and he gives the farmer great wisdom." Isaiah 28:29 NLT