June 15, 1941 - May 23, 2026

Pastor William Holmes was born to Ollie Mae Hooks (Holmes) and Hosie Holmes on June 15, 1941 in Tucker, Arkansas, where they resided. He graduated from Altheimer Public School in 1959. Directly after graduating he enlisted in the Navy in 1959, and served for 4 years. Then he married Esther Lee Thomas (Holmes) May 16, 1960, and was married for 61 years.

The Holmes family moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1965 where he served the City of Toledo as a Public Servant (Toledo Police Officer) for 13 years. While serving on the Police Force, his community service led to a turn to the ministry. He attended Toledo Bible College from 1974 - 1976 and received an Associates Degree in Theology. Reverend Holmes was active in the church community; he had served as President of the Young Minister's and Wives Christian Fellowship, he was a Minister at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Assistant Pastor of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and was formerly the Secretary of the Toledo Baptist Ministers Conference. In the fall of 1981 he accepted the call to lead the flock in Fremont, Ohio First Missionary Baptist Church.

As God called Pastor Holmes to lead First Baptist, he surrendered his will for God's way! He did what he always had done which was observe, listen, analyze, write a plan of action and implemented accordingly! He knew he had a great task that required mental, physical, financial, patience, and most of all spiritual strength. So, he and other members of the church began the rebuilding of First Baptist Missionary Church.

With God's Grace and under the Spiritual leadership of Pastor Holmes the complete renovation of the Sanctuary, Public address system, Air Conditioning, new additional rear wing that includes, Pastor's Study, Secretary room, two classrooms, 4 bathrooms, fenced in parking lot, additional land, and so many other things God blessed the ministry with.

Rev Holmes did a phenomenal job with community outreach. He began the First Baptist 1st Annual Community Carnival! There was good food served, laughter, making connections, family and friends gathered for fun and games. Everyone was welcomed with open arms. He did this for 10 years and it was a great success.

William Holmes served as the faithful Pastor for 40 years from 1981 - 2021, he truly loved his First Baptist family, but as time progressed he knew his time, as the Leader needed to transition into the hands of his Spiritual Son in the ministry which was and currently is Pastor Ernie Jackson Jr.

Preceded in death: Mae Ollie (sister), Hosie Holmes Jr (brother), Hosie Holmes (father), Ollie Mae Holmes (mother), Ellie Hue (brother), Darche Philips (daughter), Deana Norwood (granddaughter), and Esther Holmes (wife).

Leaves to cherish: Kenny Holmes (Joy), Carvella Smith (Delano), DeVon Holmes - Mitchell (Carl), Brigette Holmes and Kellie Watkins.

William Sisters: Elizabeth Dunbar and Loraine Carrouth

Grandchildren: Jordon Allen, Jasmine Allen, Jade Allen, Jalen Allen, Aliyah Files, Nia Files, LaKyia Watkins, Danielle Philips, Darnell Clark, Andrea Clark, Brandon, and Phillip. Kanisha Nora, Tia Montgomery, a host of Great grandchildren, and great - great grandchildren.