Celebration Of Life for Albert M. Holmes

Sunrise October 20, 1932                                                             Sunset September 28, 2024

On September 28, 2024, Albert Mases Holmes Jr. at the age of 91 departed this life to receive a greater reward. Al was born on October 20, 1932, in Eastman, Georgia, to Albert Holmes Sr., and Polly Lou White.

Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Al graduated from Jefferson High School in 1950. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Airman First Class (A/1C) while serving as an air traffic controller at McGuire Air Force Base, part of the 2017th AACRON. After four years of dedicated service, Al was honorably discharged in July 1955.

After the service he joined the US Postal Service where he was employed for ten years, as a postman. Al then began a long and dedicated career with NJ Transit. He worked as a bus driver from October 1967, until his retirement on October 1994.

Al was a man of diverse interests and a lifelong learner. He had a passion for TV documentaries, and model trains sets in which he could watch for hours. In his later years, he took up Tai Chi, mastering it with the same dedication he brought to everything in life.  But the real joy of his life was his family. Whether it was taking his granddaughters on magical trips to Disney or cheering on his grandsons at countless sports events, Al’s, also known to his family as Big Al, Daddy Al and My Pal Al, heart was full when his family was near. His sharp wit never failed to make everyone laugh.

Al leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters Donna Holmes, Kim Harris and his son-in-law, Edwin B. Harris Jr. His grandchildren Edwin (Trey) B. Harris III, Austin "Sky" Harris, Madison Holmes, Destiny Williams. Mary (Soul) Washington who he shared a 50+ year loving relationship with.  His bonus daughter Loretta Washington and grandchildren Nikesic, Chris and Shawn Ford. Nieces Polly Michele Matamoros, Marlo Graham, Lynette Brevard and nephew Joseph Brevard.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Kim Karen Holmes, his granddaughter, Danielle Holmes, and bonus son Steve Washington. His brother Joseph Holmes, nephew Timmy Brevard, sister-in-law Mary Brevard, sister Mary Graham and brother-in-law Lawrence (Big Shot) Graham. Al also leaves behind a host of great nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.