Thomas Bethune Holmes

Thomas B. Holmes, born February 2nd, 1945; a fourth-generation descendant of Dr. Thomas Galphin Holmes, assistant surgeon and survivor of the Fort Mims Massacre, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

Mr. Holmes was a resident of Mobile and a former resident of Montgomery, Birmingham, and Anniston, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rachel Francis Montgomery Holmes; his son, Thomas Bethune Holmes II; and his parents, Fred Boyles Holmes, Sr. and Annie Jo Bethune Holmes.

Mr. Holmes is survived by his loving family, including his special niece, Augusta Brooke Forbes Roux (Robert) of Spanish Fort. He is also survived by his brothers: Fred B. Holmes, Jr. (Carol Ann) of Mobile; William J. Holmes, Sr. of Carrollton, Texas; sister, Delores Ann Holmes Falls (Richard) of Hoover; sister in laws; Alice Faye Montgomery Callaway, Jr. (John) of Demorest, Georgia; Martha Ann Montgomery Manley of Mobile; Helen Teresa Montogomery Trainor of Mobile and brother in law James Montgomery (Beth) of Mobile. He is further survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

Mr. Holmes was a proud graduate of Murphy High School (1963), the University of Mobile (1967), and Jacksonville State University (1975). He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1969.

Mr. Holmes dedicated much of his life to education and public service. He began his career as a social studies teacher with Mobile County Public Schools, where he served from 1968 to 1969. He later worked with the East Alabama Regional Planning Commission in Anniston, Alabama, and the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission. His service in state government included the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from 1979 to 2001, as well as service under Governor Fob James during two terms.

Following his years in state service, Mr. Holmes continued his lifelong commitment to advocacy through his work with The Arc of Alabama, serving as Executive Director from 2001 until his retirement in July 2014. Even in retirement, he remained active in service, helping to organize The Arc of Mobile County in 2019 and continuing his involvement thereafter.

A devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church since 2014, Mr. Holmes was also an active supporter of Scouts BSA Troop 3 in Mobile, a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, and a participant in the Cottage Hill Civitan Club. His life reflected a deep and abiding commitment to faith, community, and service to others.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at 10 o'clock in the morning. Visitation with family and friends will precede the service at 9 o'clock in the morning in the Parish Hall.

A Funeral Service and burial will be held at Montgomery Hill Baptist Church, 13884 Danny Hall Road (Baldwin County Road 80), Tensaw (Stockton), Alabama 36579, on April 18th, 2026, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Honorary pallbearers will be The Honorable Fob James, Jr.; Fred B. Holmes, Jr.; William J. Holmes, Sr.; Richard B. Falls; James Montgomery; Ernest Hayes Dunham, Jr.; Michael Holmes Smith; Harry D. Smith, Jr.; John David "J.D." Malcolm, III; Brain J. Manley; Daniel J. Lucas; The Reverend David Clothier; James Alexander; Charles Simpson; and Scouts BSA Troop 3 Mobile.

Active pallbearers will be David W. Lewis; Robert B. Culver III; John David Malcolm Jr.; William Joseph Holmes, Jr.; Robert C. Roux; Bradley A. Key; Austin Key; and Thomas A Dunnam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Fund; Mobile Area Council BSA; Tuskegee Area Council BSA; the Bethune Holmes Memorial Scholarship at the University of Mobile; the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast in Pensacola; The Arc of the United States in Washington, D.C.; Washington National Cathedral; or a charity of one's choice.