Walter Edwin (Ed/Bo) Holmes, Jr.
February 1, 1950 ~ March 24, 2022
Born in:
Crossville, TN
Resided in:
Alexander, NC
Walter Edwin (Ed/Bo) Holmes, Jr., went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
Ed (to those who knew him in his professional life) / Bo (to family and friends outside of work), was born February 1, 1950, in Crossville, TN to the late Walter Edwin Holmes, Sr. and Leona Holmes.
Ed played football at Middle Tennessee State University, where he met his beloved wife of 50 years, Judy. The couple moved to Asheville in 1972 with nearly nothing in tow, and were fortunate to live with Judy’s Uncle Dan and Aunt Ester until they could get on their feet. In 1974, he took up employment as a Survey Technician at Hutchison-Biggs and Associates, Land Surveyors. He quickly became well-known for his work ethic, his capabilities, his willingness, and the way he treated others. Ed was invited into partnership in the firm in the late 1980’s, and eventually led the company as its President. In 2005, along with his son, Josh, and with the support of his closest associates and friends in business, he formed Ed Holmes and Associates Land Surveyors, PA. He led the organization for nearly 17 years, until the time of his passing. He led with a true servant’s heart, and he embodied and was the inspiration for the company’s core values of hard work, reputation, teamwork, and adaptability. He was a mentor to all, and was thought of by nearly everyone on the 40-plus member staff as either a second dad, brother, or best friend.
Ed loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, his kids, his precious grandkids, his extended family, his Sunday school class and Mount Carmel Baptist Church, his business and the friends and family he associated with it, his farm equipment, his Wednesday golfing buddies, and the Saturday breakfast crew. He also loved and took pride in building, shaping, and creating. What he built, shaped, and created best was an amazing legacy of love, friendship, and caring. He lived an “arrows out” life – his every thought on what he could do for others, and never for himself. Those who knew him, knew this well.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Judy; his son, Josh (Liza); daughter, Sarah (Melissa); granddaughter, Alaphair; grandsons, Jack and Harper; brother, Dan (Elizabeth); sister, Debbie (David deceased); niece, Jennifer (Michael); great-niece, Avery; great-nephew, Lawson; and the staff of Ed Holmes and Associates, whom he also considered to be family.
Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Owen officiating.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the church, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 200 Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Services
Visitation: April 2, 2022 2:00 pm - April 29, 2025 3:30 pm
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
200 Mt. Carmel Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Memorial Service: April 2, 2022 3:30 pm
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
200 Mt. Carmel Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and the many friends that love you both so much. I told Kathy that Bo will always be known as a pillar in the Erwin Community.
May God bless all of you and find peace knowing he made a positive impact on so many people.
Chip and Kim Plemmons
I love the stories that my mom, Linda Bowen Hayes, tells of she and cousin Bo growing up together, two peas in a pod. It also is an honor for me to share Bo’s alma mater, MTSU. He is missed, but his integrity and heart continue to encourage us. Love to his family.
I love to hear the stories that my mom, Linda Bowen Hayes, tells of she and her cousin Bo as they grew up together, two peas in a pod. It’s also an honor for me to share Bo’s alma mater, MTSU. Although we and so many others are saddened by his passing, his heart and integrity continue to inspire and encourage us. Holmes family, we send you our love.
Bo Holmes lived a full life and it’s reflected by his family and his reputation as a genuine Christian man. His legacy as husband, dad, grandad and friend is what I strive for in my walk. He is going to be missed by so many and for so many different reasons. I’ll miss him for his steady presence and encouraging words. God welcomed home a good one. Prayers for you all.
Bo was an extremely nice person and always had a smile and handshake for all those he met. I met him thru presentations to the Lions Club and talked to him every time I saw him.God Bless the family and Bo is now in Heaven.
Judy,Josh, and Sarah. I am so very sorry for your great loss.Bo was a wonderful person, he showed it in so many ways. I remember times he went out of his way in helping me when I had not even asked.
It’s in moments like these that words fall short. But we hope you know how much love we have in our hearts for Ed, and that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. He was a special man, and friend and will be missed.
My dad (Bob Brown) has worked with Ed for my whole life (close to 45 years) the things I remember most are Ed’s infections smile and soft spoken kind manner. I’ve cried many times since hearing the news, not for him, he’s rejoicing at the feet of Jesus, but for the multitude of people he touched deeply who will feel his absence the most… especially for you Judy, Josh and Sarah. I’m praying for you.
Holmes family we are so saddened to hear about Ed. Your family is in our thoughts and Prayers. Ed was a special man and took great care of my son when he was given his first job with his company. Special prayers for your precious grandchildren who I knew at West Buncombe. Heaven has gained a precious Angel.
To the entire family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was an example for all of us on how we should live our lives. He was a blessing to all, and he will be greatly missed. He never failed to ask how my wife, kids and grandkids were whenever we spoke and he truly cared, it wasn’t just a question or just being polite.
Our hearts are broken to hear of Bo’s passing. When we think of Bo, we always associate the word “servant” with his life. Bo was ready to help whenever he was needed with a humble spirit and a smile. We will surely miss his presence on this side of Jordan and pray that the family is comforted with the knowledge that one day soon, we will rise up with Him.
Love to you all,
Keith and Debbie Hawkins
JOSH AND FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF. ED WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US BUT HE KNOW WHERE HE IS. HE WAS A FINE MAN AND FRIEND,MAC
Our heart breaks for the Holmes Family…..Bo was my Saturday morning breakfast partner and much more. He was the best example to me of how I should live my life, take care of my family, and treat others along the way. I learned so much from him over the last 25 years or so, and I will treasure our time together. May God wrap His arms around each of you and guide you through this time of loss. We love you dearly!
Tony & Rhonda Gentry
Joyce Rector
Josh, Sarah, and family,
So sorry about the loss of your
Father. He must have been a truly amazing man in so many
Ways , and one who lived his faith. Praying for comfort for your family.
Praying for all of your family during this difficult time. He was such a blessing to everyone that knew him.
Danny and Annette Ledbetter
Our family has been so blessed to be part of your lives and to have known and loved Ed. I will be forever grateful to him for being such a dear friend to my dad. Praying peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding right now.
Sarah and Family, Your Dad was the kindest and most thoughtful man. I have known him (and your family) since the Hutchinson-Biggs years when Ken worked there and then worked for your Dad again. I remember his kindness in making sure he spoke to our very young daughters during business/family events. Always the gentleman. He has left a wonderful legacy in his family and professional life.
Skye (Myrick) Schrag BCSO
Dear Judy, Josh, Sarah, and Family,
Bo was a precious man, always had a warm smile and kind words. We are deeply sorry for your loss and pray that God will wrap His great arms around you, comfort you and give you peace as only He can. We love you all and will keep you in our prayers.
Sara, Sorry for the loss of your father. I got to know him from coming into Ingles. Will be praying for you and your family during these hard times.
Will miss my friendship with Ed.He was proud of his church, and family, and the work he did for the Lord. Our thoughts, and prayers are with you. Kelly, and Donna Vess, Family
Ed Holmes was the finest man I ever knew .
Judy and family,
Sorry to hear of Bo passing and hope you and the family will be ever so strong at this time. The Holy Spirit will get you thru these tough days. Remember and love all your memories and time with him and keep it close always.
Love and prayers my friend,
Judy
Sarah and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about your father we will keep you all in our thoughts and pryers.
Judy, Josh, Sarah We were so blessed to know Bo as a neighbor and friend. That smile and generous heart of Christ will be remembered by all. God wrap you in His arms and His Grace comfort you Our Love,