Mr. Willie Arthur “Artie” Holmes, age 55, departed this life Thursday, August 9th at home.  He was born November 25, 1962, in Albany, GA. He graduated from Blackshear High School in 1980. He was employed for 22 years at Gilman Paper in St. Mary’s.

Preceeding him in death is his father: Arthur Lee Moody, Jr .

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted mother Willa Jean Moody, two sons: Lance and Brad Holmes, Blackshear; a step-daughter Tomeeka NeSmith, Blackshear; his grandchildren: Xavier Holmes, Aryanna Holmes and Camilla Holmes all of Blackshear; a step-granddaughter: Taylor Marie Johnson, Blackshear; his brothers: Stevey (Donna) Moody, of Blackshear; Rickey (LaNancy) Moody, Kingsland; Rodney (Melina) Moody, and Damon Moody of Blackshear;  a sister Teresa McDay, Grayson, GA;  his godmother/aunt: Betty Holmes, aunt: Josephine Smith, both of Blackshear;  a host of uncles, other aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

The family is receiving friends at 4111 Ware Street, Blackshear.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 17th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. along with an evening of accolades from 7:30 -8 p.m. in Rainge Memorial Chapel.

The cortege will assemble at his mother home 4111 Ware Street, Blackshear at 10:15 a.m.

A Homegoing service will be Saturday, August 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Fourth Mt. Olive Church on Yeoman St. in Blackshear, Rev. Morris Pate, Pastor.

The remains will lie in state Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

Interment will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery, Blackshear.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.