photo by Courtesy of Derryberry Public Relations
Members of the Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners paused their meeting earlier today to honor the service of retiring member Eddie Holmes.
The CHA’s former board chair was appointed to the commission in 2006 serving multiple terms. Mr. Holmes has served in numerous leadership roles in the community, including the Chattanooga Human Rights Human Relations Committee, Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP, Tennessee Conference of NAACP and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Minority Advisory Board.
The U.S.
Army veteran and his wife of 55 years, Fannie Holmes, have dedicated their lives to the New United Missionary Baptist Church and to service at the Hamilton County Election Commission, officials said.
Chattanooga Housing Authority Executive Director Betsy McCright said, “To have the longevity of Eddie Holmes’ leadership on our board has been extremely helpful as we’ve addressed various challenges throughout the years. We’re grateful for his service and wish him the best as he begins this new chapter in his life.”
“Eddie Holmes spent decades serving Chattanooga,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “He helped build strong communities and opened doors for others. His steady leadership has made our city better. So, it’s an honor to recognize his legacy with ‘Eddie Holmes Day.’”
Mr. Holmes was presented a proclamation during the meeting, marking Aug. 15, 2025 as ‘Eddie Holmes Day’ in the City of Chattanooga. The proclamation was signed by Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and City Council Chair Jenny Hill.
The proclamation reads,
“WHEREAS, it is fitting that members of the Chattanooga City Council recognize the remarkable contributions and public service of Eddie Holmes to the City of Chattanooga and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, Eddie was appointed to the Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in 2006 and served multiple terms including terms as Board Chair; and,
WHEREAS, Eddie served as the former president of the Chattanooga Human Rights Human Relations Committee, former president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton Count NAACP, and held leadership positions within the Tennessee Conference of NAACP; and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Minority Advisory Board; and,
WHEREAS, Eddie is the past recipient of the prestigious Medgar Evers Leadership Award and Jefferson Award for Public Service; and,
WHEREAS, Eddie is a valued veteran of the United States Army; and,
WHEREAS, Eddie and his wife of 55 years, Fannie Holmes, have dedicated their lives to the New United Missionary Baptist Church, and to service at the Hamilton County Election Commission, while raising their daughter in Chattanooga; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY MAYOR TIM KELLY AND THE CHATTANOOGA CITY COUNCIL CONCURRING, that we recognize and congratulate Eddie Holmes on a life of service to his faith, family, and community.”
CHA Board Chair Jim Levine added, “Eddie and Fannie Holmes are part and parcel of what makes Chattanooga such a special place. They’ve given of their time and talents to support their family, their community, their faith and the issues that have changed the fabric of Chattanooga’s culture throughout the years. It’s an honor to celebrate Eddie Holmes’ life of service.”