Samuel T. Holmes, Sr.,  "Coach" of the 2300 block of Tapscott Avenue was called home to be with the Lord November 23, 2007. Born in the family of John and Lauretta Holmes on March 4, 1925 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he was one of fifteen children.



He joined the U. S. Navy where he completed basic training and Hospital Corp School at Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He served at numerous duty stations, to include a special assignment with the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine barracks, Camp Lejune, North Carolina. It was on this tour that he served with the famed 51st Defense Battalion, the first "All Black" Marine Combat Unit that saw duty in the South Pacific War Zone from 1943 - 1945. During this tour he rescued a downed Marine flyer and was decorated with the Marine Corp Medal for Heroism.



Upon completing military service, Tommy, as family and friends knew him, relocated to Norfolk in 1946. He returned to school at Booker T. Washington High School and graduated with honors in the class of 1948. As he furthered his education, he graduated from Kentucky State College with honors in 1953, and received a Master of Arts Degree from New York University in 1960.



Tommy was employed by the Norfolk Public School System as a teacher and a Department Chairman. In addition to teaching, he served as an Assistant Football Coach for 11 years. In 1969 he joined the staff at Elizabeth City State University, where he served as Associate Professor in Health, Physical Education; Aquatic Director, Track Coach 1969-1976, Director of Student Teaching for Department majors, Regional Director Albemarle Special Olympics and member of the Board of Directors for Elizabeth City Boy's Club, Inc. He retired in 1990.



His community and professional affiliations were: Past Vice President of the Providence Square Civic League, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a member of various Advisory Councils for Norfolk Public School System, Hampton Roads 200 Men, American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, American Football Coaches Association, The American Red Cross, and the North Carolina Retired Government Employees Association.



Tommy was an active member of St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served as a Steward, Baber Johnson Class Sunday School Teacher for over 20 years, Intercessory Prayer Group; Chairman of  "Samuel T. Holmes There is Hope Ministry", Card Ministry, Tape Ministry and Chairman of Missions and Special Projects.



He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth D. Holmes; three sons, Garnie Holmes, Sr. (Gwendolyn), Keith Holmes (Erica) and William Holmes, Sr. (Mary); daughter-in-law, Lydia Holmes; adopted daughter, Gwen Dickens, one brother, Bruce N. Holmes, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law. His son, Samuel T. Holmes, Jr. preceded him in death.



A home going celebration will be held noon Friday at St. John's AME Church. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Viewing will be held 2pm - 7pm Thursday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral, Chesapeake. Memorial donations may be made to "Samuel T. Holmes There is Hope Ministry", St. John's AME Church.