There are condolences waiting approval on Ronnie's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Ronnie Holmes
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Ronnie.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Ronnie Holmes
Ronnie Holmes died peacefully July 1, 2022, surrounded by love. He was 84 years old.
Born July 14,1937, Ronnie was the son of the late Mary Jane Hester Holmes and Clifford Malcolm Holmes of West, Mississippi. At an early age, his family made their home in Winona, Mississippi.
He attended Webb School in Bell Buckle Tennessee and Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. Ronnie thoroughly enjoyed college life and study while attending Vanderbilt University, Millsaps College (Kappa Sigma Fraternity) and the University of Mississippi, where he was graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After college, Ronnie entered the management program at JC Penny Company. In 1967 he joined Merrill Lynch as a financial consultant. He enjoyed a successful career with the firm and made lifelong friends. While at Merrill Lynch, he fell in love with Janie Thatcher, originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, who was employed by another financial firm in downtown Jackson. It was a match made in heaven. They became engaged and married one month later in January of 1979. Ronnie took early retirement in 1990. He and Janie shared a gloriously happy life together. They were blessed to have such wonderful children, family and friends. Devoted to his family, Ronnie took great pride and joy in each family member, their activities and accomplishments
He loved his family beyond measure. He was affectionately known as "R" and "UR" (Uncle Ronnie) by his grandchildren and his beloved nephews. He was also known by his grandsons as "the reader" and a "fierce pirate fighter" in his day. Family gatherings always involved fun competitive play of ping pong, billiards, baseball, tennis, fishing, card games and bocce ball. Ronnie was a man of integrity. He was a kind and gentle soul. He lived his life with optimism, generosity and gratitude. He had a fun loving spirit. He enjoyed reading and daily crossword puzzles.
He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed gardening and traveling. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans, Coastal Maine, Western Europe and Caneel Bay USVI were a few of his favorite places. He enjoyed civic, social and family oriented clubs through the years, particularly the Rotary Club of Jackson, Habitat projects, River Hills Tennis Club and his treasured Philosophy Club.
A longtime Episcopalian, Ronnie he was active in the church he loved. He especially liked the Anglican liturgy and the triumphant hymns.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janie Thatcher Holmes, daughter, Cheryl Watts of Mandeville, Louisiana, son, Cliff Holmes (Sherry) of Jackson, grandchildren Asher Watts and Camille Watts and Andrew Holmes and Alex Holmes. Also cherishing his memory are sister in law, Georgia Anne Faneca (Cy) of Gulfport and brother In law, Walter Thatcher (Marcia) of Columbus and beloved nephews Robert Faneca (Lee), Michael Faneca (Niki), Mac Thatcher (McKenzie) and Mark Thatcher. He love each of them dearly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his step father, Claude Wilkes, his first wife, Marcella Shelton and his brother, James Hester Holmes The Holmes Family would like to thank each member of their St. Catherine’s Village Family for their immeasurable love, care, friendship and support that they have given to us.
A Eucharist thanksgiving for his life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 3921 Oak Ridge Drive, Jackson, Mississippi with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Fowler Hall at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Inurnment will be at the church Columbarium.
"Let light perpetual shine upon him"
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James' Episcopal Church, Jackson, Mississippi and St. Catherine's Village, Madison, Mississippi.
.jpg)