Jerry Holmes

Jerry Thomas Holmes, 64, of Frederick, Maryland died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, December 10, 2018, after losing his short-term battle with cancer.

Jerry was born on October 28, 1954 in Bassett, Virginia. He was the 9th of 11 children born to Lola Mae (Wilkins) and Richard Melbourn Holmes.  He spent most of his childhood in rural Richmond, VA, where he thoroughly enjoyed life on a farm, until moving to Brentwood, MD where he attended Northwestern High School.  There, Jerry started a rock band with new friends and his older brother. He then began learning how to play the fiddle by self-teaching and studying the stylings of various artists, but his favorite of all was Johnny Gimble.

In the late 1980’s Jerry (with his wife & kids) briefly moved to Pensacola, FL to be close to his parents as they aged.  After the passing of his father, Jerry returned to Maryland with his family where he resided in Germantown and Frederick, MD until present day.

Jerry was a very talented left-handed musician.  He played guitar (even upside down and backwards – strung for a right handed player) and fiddle/violin, which was his main instrument.  Jerry’s music career included playing with many country music artists like The Kendalls, Johnny Paycheck, The Time Jumpers, Charlie McCoy, Ricky Scaggs, The Seldom Seen, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Little River Band, Foghat and Garth Brooks.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carolyn (Queen) Holmes; his children: Steve P. (45)and Alicia Holmes; Eric L. Holmes (43); Chasity N. Holmes (40); Julia C. (35) and James Leedy; and step-daughter, Angela M. (Cain)(39) and Adam Reed; his grandchildren: Nicole, Tristan, Ashleigh, Anthony, Jaidyn, Cameron, Kylee, Luke, Alinah, and Charlotte; and great-grandchildren Jameson and Mila.  He is also survived by 3 siblings: Susie, Delores, and Johnny, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Lola and Richard Holmes; and siblings Bobbie Jean, Gail, Gloria, Joyce, Linda, Melvin, and Gary.

There will be a receiving of friends from 3-5pm on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. There will be a celebration of his life’s journey at 5pm at the funeral home followed by a time of fellowship, sharing music and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donationscan be made in Jerry’s honor to: Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Avenue, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com