Thomas Earl Holmes

Thomas Earl Holmes was born in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday February 22nd, 1942 to Amanda Hobson Holmes and James Willie Holmes. Thomas is the fifth born of eight children. Thomas accepted Christ into his life at a young age, he often attended Saint Andrews Church and later Saint Paul Church in Los Angeles. He received his formal education in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He attended Normandie Avenue Elementary, John Muir Middle School, and Manual Arts High School. In 1960 Thomas enlisted in the US Navy Reserve while attending high school. Thomas enlisted into the United States Navy and reported for active duty on June 2, 1962. During this time he sailed the seven seas and reported to Okinawa Japan, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and various other locations. On April 6, 1963 Thomas married Pamela J. Ecles to this union was born Tangye and Courtney Holmes. After retiring from the Navy in 1966 Thomas returned home to his family and began working for the Los Angeles Times and Packard Bell. He had a longstanding career with the Los Angeles Unified School District in which he retired from. In 2010 Thomas relocated to Nevada to help care for his mother. His hobbies included fishing, football (notably the 49ers) and basketball, but the hobby we know him most for was his beloved van clubs, The Funky Wheels and The Magic Wheels. Thomas often took his family on road trips which created great memories to last a lifetime. Thomas was CB radio pro. "This is Pisces 1" In the early 80's Thomas began a relationship with Carolyn Lacewell to this union he gained a bonus daughter Janean Lacewell. Affectionately known as "Papa" and "GPT", he loved being a grandfather to his 6 grandchildren:Nakia Guillory-Flores (Kamali), Robbie Gammage Jr., Travanti Woods, Alexus Gammage, Rohaun Woods and Jaylen Gammage and his great grandchildren: Elijah Flores, Addison-Piper Flores, Rohaun Woods Jr., and Reign Woods. Thomas Earl Holmes is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Courtney Holmes, parents James Holmes, Amanda Holmes-Haynes (Henry) and brother James O. Griffin. He leaves to carry on his legacy siblings: Willoughby Holmes-Smith- Carson, California; Roy Lee Holmes - Carson, California; Maxcine Holmes Mixon - Los Angeles, CA; Ronald Holmes- Germany; Brenda Holmes McElmore- Los Angeles, CA; Cynthia McGrew - Fort Worth, TX., Daughters Tangye Holmes Shepard, Janean Lacewell (Robbie Sr.) and his adored dog Buster Holmes. 6 grandchildren, 4-great grands and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loyal friends.

Thomas Earl Holmes

February 22, 1942 - June 4, 2022