Jr. Bishop Norman Holmes

Jr. Bishop Norman Holmes was born March 2, 1938 to the late Hugh and Pearl E. Holmes.

Norman graduated from North High School. He came to Christ at an early age, and was called to the ministry at the age of 17 years old. He served as Assistant Pastor under the late Bishop Oscar Hill. He was a Youth President, Union Director for the FBC of Ohio-Michigan District. He was a Jr. Bishop under the Tillage of the late Bishop Cornelius Sweet. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in Twinsburg, Ohio after 33 years of service. Norman was awarded a special honor for performing the first autopsy at AGMC.

Norman enjoyed several hobbies: Akron Soap Box Derby, volunteering at the Weed and Seed Program, Crossing Guard for Akron Public Schools, and putting on plays with puppets (Norman Holmes Speak to my Heart Puppet Ministry, which was established in 2004). He was a musician and enjoyed playing the Hawaiian guitar. He also enjoyed Easter and having plays (some may remember The Crucifixion Play which led to one of the largest altar calls at Hills Temple). He enjoyed eating, sleeping laughter, and old movies especially Durango Kid and King Kong, while eating a bowl of popcorn. He loved Martial l Arts and was a Black Belt in Karate. Anyone who knew him laughed whenever in his presence and it was a delight to be with him.

He was preceded in death by parents, Hugh and Pearl Holmes; grandmother, Mattie Nelson; brothers, Hugh (Petey) and Bernice Holmes; sisters, Mattie McMillan, Doris Davis, Evelyn Holmes, La Barbara McGinnis, and Shirley Gates. He is survived by devoted wife, Peggy Holmes; sons, Frederick Hugh Holmes and Norman Gary (Marissa) Holmes, both of Houston, Texas; daughters, Sheila (Charles) Moore of Akron, Ohio, and Gail Holmes-Walton of Toledo, Ohio; brother, Herman (Alberta) Holmes of Springfield Township; sister, Madeline (Donnie) White of Akron, Ohio; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Lozzie Cagle; sisters-in-law, Bessie Kent and Catherine Sherman, all of Akron, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.