Rocky Mount -

Ellis "Floyd" Holmes, age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 13, 2024 at The Landings in Rocky Mount, NC. He was born on January 10, 1929 at The Falls in Wake County, NC to Ellis Calvin and Nettie Griffin Holmes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Frances Carter Holmes, his wife of 68 years; granddaughter, Jessica DeFries; great-grandson, Wyatt Spruill and son-in-law, Gordon Freeman.

Floyd attended Rocky Mount Senior High School, Wake Forest University, Southwestern Theological Seminary and Bob Jones University. He was devoted to missionary work and served with Baptist Mid-Missions for over three decades in West Africa and the South Pacific. He was later called to Faith Baptist Church in Pinetops, NC where he served as pastor for twenty-six years.

Floyd had a great sense of humor and was known as a wonderful storyteller from all his years of missionary service. He was also a giant prayer warrior with a long list of names he prayed over every day of his life. Floyd loved his wife, whom he affectionately called "Tootsie", his family, and most of all, his LORD, whom he served faithfully.

A lifetime of precious memories and teachings are left to be cherished by his children, Trudy Freeman of Rocky Mount, Grace Bishop of Manteo, Martha Schneider of Rocky Mount, Joy Holman (Matt) of Cincinnati, OH, and John Holmes (Merri) of Winston Salem; grandchildren, Charity Ruiter, Jesse Ruiter, Renee Sharpe, Bud Bishop, Stephanie Cunningham, Grace Silos, Angel Mahr, Jake Holman, Megan Mattinson, Heidi Seawell, Kelsey Gee, Katie Graham, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Please join family and friends for a special service to honor God and celebrate Floyd's wonderful life on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00am at Crossroads Baptist Church, 3224 Benvenue Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00am.

As most know, Floyd's great love was God's mission field and Faith Baptist Church. For those wishing to honor Floyd's memory with a memorial donation, please consider a contribution to Faith Baptist Church Missions, 4590 Faith Baptist Church Road, Pinetops, NC 27864.