Erick Allen Holmes
Erick Allen Holmes was born on July 8, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Joshua Holmes and Beulah Lee Thomas.
He was a proud native of Chattanooga and graduated from The Howard School in 1966. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country with honor in the Vietnam War during the 1960s and later in Operation Desert Storm during the 1990s. Erick continued his military service with distinction and eventually retired from the United States Army Reserve.
Erick was a devoted member of Westside Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, where he faithfully worshipped until his health began to decline.
He is survived by his former spouse and lifelong friend, Shirley Holmes; his children: Edward Allen Holmes (Jessica), Ericka A. Holmes, and Jasin L. Holmes (Terri), all of Chattanooga; and six grandchildren: Victoria, Jaylen, Allen Jr., Noelle, Bailey, and Norah.
He is also survived by his brothers: Nolan Walker (Wanda), of Crestview, Fl., and Aaron Sterns, of Chattanooga; sisters: Catherine (the late Sydney) Smith, of Greensboro, NC; Linda Walker, of Chattanooga; Glenda Walker , of Rochester, NY; and Maretta Walker, of Chattanooga; one aunt, Dora Cocker of Chattanooga; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Joshua Holmes and Beulah Lee Thomas; his stepmother, Lela Mae Holmes; his brother, Gerald Walker; and his grandson, Monterius Rollins.
The family would like to express special thanks to Carolyn Tyler and Dora Wash for their dedicated care. A heartfelt thank you also goes to his best friend, Terry “Fatboy” Price, and the brothers from the B Company 844th Engineering for the fellowship and support shared at the Thursday “Breakfast Table” at Wally’s Restaurant.
Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at noon on Thursday, July 24, in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:30 p.m. gate time.