Mr. A.J. Holmes was born August 5, 1934, to the late Mr. Dewey and Mrs. Lottie Holmes in Newton County. He attended the Jamestown Community School. He was the youngest son of six children of whom four preceded him in death; two brothers, Emerson Holmes and M.J. Holmes, two sisters, Johnnie Grant and Ruby Boatner.

Mr. Holmes was also known as "Crack" to many who knew and loved him. He met no strangers for the could hold friendly conversation with anyone who crossed his path. He was a member of the Greater New Bethel Church where he sung with the male chorus.

He worked as a logging contractor for many years.

Mr. Holmes married Mrs. Dorothy Samuel on April 18, 1992, who then became his soulmate for over 27 years.

He leaves to cherish his memories and his smile, his wife, Dorothy Holmes of Jasper, Texas; a sister, Mattie(Earnest) Harper of Copperas Cove, Texas; one son, Anthony Taylor of Jasper, Texas; three daughters, Veronica Modica of Little Rock, Arkansas, Crystal Taylor and Linda(Jerry) McLemore of Jasper, Texas; two brothers in law, William McFarland; a special niece, Annette Bailey; a special nephew, Rodney Land and a special friend Johnny Brooks; a very special granddaughter, Cecelia Singletary and six grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a grand spread of nieces, nephews and acquaintances.