Walter Holmes

Walter Eugene Holmes, 88, joined the church triumphant on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. He was born June 27, 1926, in Cherokee Falls, South Carolina and lived most of his life in Arcadia, South Carolina. Walter was the son of the late Laura Wilson and Luther D. Holmes and loving husband to his wife of 60 years, the late Thelma Mae Jackson Holmes. He was predeceased by four of his loving siblings: Lawrence Durham, Anita Hudson, Bill Holmes, and Cornelia Harris. Walt was very close to his parents and brothers and sisters. His brother Bill was his best friend and worked for him in the family business. He is survived by a wonderful and caring sister, Peggy Holmes Cusack of Waldorf, Maryland. Many wonderful summer vacations were spent at the beach with all of the siblings and their families. Walter served in the United States Armed Services as a Navy Seabee during World War II. He was stationed in the South Pacific and participated in reconstruction there. Walter and Thelma owned and operated Holmes Lunch, a restaurant in Arcadia, South Carolina, for 43 years (now known as Holmes Hot Dogs). He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with all of his customers. He watched many of his customers' children grow into adults, get married, and have children and bring their families to the restaurant for a "hot dog from Walt's place." He gave to the needy and he never let anyone leave the restaurant hungry. If they did not have the money, it was okay they could pay him the next time. In this, and many other ways, he showed his Christian love and set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Arcadia First Baptist Church for most of his life, serving on the Board of Deacons, teaching Youth Sunday School, and serving on many committees. His love for his church and the Lord Jesus Christ were always evident in his daily walk. He carried a New Testament with him in his shirt pocket every day at his business. He was a current member of Inman Baptist Church, having also served on their Board of Deacons and as a greeter. He leaves behind many dear friends from both of these churches. Having lived in Arcadia and Fairforest for many years, he served the volunteer fire department in Arcadia and was a member of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, receiving the 60 Year Award. In Fairforest, Walter and Thelma lived beside their close and loving friends, the Bokanoskis, with whom they shared many Christmases and vacations and he leaves behind many other loving friends. In Inman, Walter served as president of the Inman Lion's Club and enjoyed fishing in the pond behind his house. After Thelma passed away, Walter moved to Eden Terrace and for the last 6 ½ years of his life has enjoyed his residence there. He leaves behind a special friend, Grace Arthur. He also had many loving caregivers and med techs at Eden Terrace to whom the family is grateful, including Angie Hughes and Earlene Triplett, for their compassion and caregiving to Walter in his last days. Survivors include his children, Kristie Tennent (Charles) of Simpsonville, SC, Treva Webb (Rob) of Boiling Springs, SC, and Joel Holmes of Beaufort, SC; grandchildren, Charles Tennent, Jr., Vaughan Tennent (Misty), Marydele Tennent, Josiah Tennent, Madison Webb, Abbi Webb, Sofia Webb, Nick Webb, Joel Holmes, Jr., and Jeff Holmes (Shauna); great-grandchildren, Jackson and Hudson Holmes; and sister, Peggy Cusack and her husband Gene Cusack of Waldorf, MD. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 PM Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Monday, November 10, 2014, at Inman First Baptist Church, by the Rev. Paul Moore and the Rev. Al Phillips. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Eden Terrace Assisted Living, 2780 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or Inman First Baptist Church, 14 North Howard Street, Inman, SC 29349. The family is at the home of his daughter, Treva Webb. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Walter E. Holmes please visit our Sympathy Store.