Joseph Gerald Holmes

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces memorial services for Mr. Joseph Gerald Holmes, who passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016. Born and raised in Hiwassee. Gerald joined the Navy after high school in 1952. He married Wanda Garrett in 1956 and moved to Atlanta after leaving the Navy. They raised their children in the metro Atlanta area until returning home to Hiawassee for retirement in 2003. Gerald spent many years coaching his children's youth sports teams, was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, loved fishing and being outdoors.

Gerald is survived by wife Wanda Garrett Holmes, children- Rick Holmes and wife Jan, David Holmes and wife Sarah ,and Kathy Lively -five grandchildren -Ryan Lively, Kaitlin Holmes, Caroline Holmes, Jessica Holmes, Nicholas Holmes and and predeceased by grandson Scott Lively. He is also survived by three siblings Steve Holmes of Hiawassee, Imogene Holmes, Hiawassee and Anne Edwards, Coos Bay, Oregon.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2 PM at Cochran funeral home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to curechildhoodcancer.org

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements(www.cochranfuneralhomes.com).