Larry Marshall Holmes Senior passed away peacefully in his bed on December 11, 2023 after having lived a wonderful and blessed life. Larry was preceded in his death by his parents, Ottis and Euna Holmes and siblings Melba, Toxey and Lavern, his wife and son, Laura and Larry M Holmes Jr and great grandson Griffin Smith. He is also survived by his daughter, Debbie Riggs, granddaughters Haley Smith and Whitney Coben, grandsons-in-law Brad Smith and David Coben, and great grandchildren Grayson, Camdyn, Colby, and Marlie Smith and Brayden Coben. Larry was a faithful Christian, husband, father, brother and friend who worked diligently to serve both his country, community and, above all, family. He served in both the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. Retiring from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant after 23 years of service, he found his second career as a high school principal where he put his military training to use, educating and keeping the next generation in line, including his son and daughter. But it was after his retirement from South Garland High School that he found his greatest joy, being a full time Grandpa alongside his wife, Laura, of nearly 50 years, who he remained devoted to even after her death in 2003. The two of them enjoyed shopping, road tripping, swimming with their granddaughters and overall spoiling them rotten. Larry spent the last 15 years of his life as an equally wonderful great Grandpa to his five great grandchildren, who all adored him. His orneriness, faithfulness, wisdom, and unconditional love will always be remembered and missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
5 Responses
I worked with Larry at Sellers Middle School and I smiled as I read the sentence that begins “his orneriness.” I put up with his jokes and his songs and his rules and he quietly supported almost everything I wanted to do for the library, for student council, and for the students. The last time I saw him was at a Christmas luncheon for retirees. He was still joking and asking about former teachers. My condolences to his family. I know you will miss him.
Larry Holmes will forever be my favorite principal. I taught for 43 years. He made me laugh some days and made me cry on other days. When asked to “ roast” him upon retirement, I replied yes to speaking , but only if I could be last. I “toasted “ him instead. We were fortunate to see each other’s strengths as well as weaknesses. He pretended to be a “bully” sometimes but was actually a loving and kind man. I especially enjoyed watching how much love and affection he shared with his wife. He crashed my student- teacher Christmas lesson so I nicknamed him Scrooge. My condolences to all his family. Heaven gained a unique angel.
I worked for Larry Holmes at Sellers Middle School for eight years. I loved him. He tried to appear tough, but he was very fair to the staff and students alike. He was my favorite principal. I know that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his wife. He was a special man.
I’m a former student. I remember him fondly. Sending condolences and comfort to everyone who loved him.
I first met Larry Holmes when I was an 8th grader at Memorial Junior High in Garland. He was my U.S. History teacher. Actually, the only thing I remember about the class is that he showed films backwards.
When I went to South Garland High School, he was there, too, as an assistant principal. I remember him well, walking the halls with a yardstick, looking for too short skirts and inappropriate public displays of affection.
When I graduated from college and started looking for a teaching job, I subbed at Sellers Middle School where he was the principal. Although I never really interviewed, when a position opened up, he hired me. I taught there for 10 years and although we laughed at calling him our “instructional leader,” we always knew that he would support his teachers and staff. After working with other principals during my 40 year career, I appreciate the support he always gave me, sometimes when I was wrong.
I met my husband John at Sellers and when we decided to get married, we told Mr. Holmes. When he said we couldn’t work in the same school, we told him that we would just live together. That convinced him to let us both stay.