Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2023
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home
Visitation: Following the Service
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home
John Richard Holmes, 80, died peacefully at home from complications of frontotemporal dementia on Monday, March 20, 2023, surrounded in love bedside by his wife, daughter, and caregiver. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Lynn Topping Holmes; his beloved daughter, Amanda Lynn Holmes of Charlottesville, VA; brother, William “Bill” Smith of Broadnax, VA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Nancy Topping of Chesapeake, VA. The family is grateful to Kesha Williams-Augustus for her loving and compassionate care provided over the past year and to Riverside Hospice in supporting the family through John’s final journey.
Born in Laurel, MD, John was a lifelong resident of Newport News, VA and graduated from Warwick High School, class of 1963 (Go Farmers!). Throughout his life, John was a hard worker who strived to ensure his family and friends were cared for, always dedicated first to his family and then to his work. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. John worked in the grocery business as a perishables and frozen food manager for more than 50 years, first at A&P and then at Food Lion where he retired after more than 25 years of employment. Having a strong work ethic, he took pride in providing excellent customer service and was well-loved by the customers in his stores.
John met his wife, Mary Lynn Topping in an elevator in the Masonic Temple in downtown Newport News in 1969 and they were married on December 22, 1973.
John was a dedicated family man who always ensured that his loved ones’ needs were met and was ready and willing to help his family and friends whenever and however he could.
In his free time, John was a member of Bremond Masonic Lodge #241 for over 50 years and a member of Warwick Chapter #43 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
John also enjoyed going on adventures, including many a summer day spent at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and long drives with no destination in mind throughout the greater Hampton Roads area. If the adventure happened to involve getting an ice cream cone, that was his favorite.
John always wanted the people in his life to feel comfortable (and he did not enjoy dressing up very much) so the family would like to invite extended family and friends to wear casual clothing to the service. John’s favorite color was blue, so we invite you to wear something casual in blue, if you would like. Denim is completely acceptable as John’s favorite outfit was wearing a pair of “comfy dungarees.”
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Weymouth Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choosing in memory of John. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.