Hugh Grant Holmes

Hugh Grant Holmes

November 13, 1926 – May 8, 2023

We are saddened to announce the passing of Hugh G Holmes. Hugh passed peacefully on May 8, 2023 at home in Holmes Beach surrounded by family at the age of 96.

Hugh was born on November 13, 1926 on Anna Maria Island to John E (Jack) and Catherine Holmes. Hugh graduated from Bradenton High School in 1944 and joined the US Navy. He was accepted into the Officers Candidate Program and attended Georgia Tech, University of South Carolina and Howard College.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy at the end of WWII. Hugh met the love of his life, Jean, at Foster Drugs in downtown Bradenton and they were married for 74 wonderful years.

First and foremost, Hugh was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great-grandfather. Although he served many aspects of his country and community, his family always came first. Hugh was an avid golfer and loved his time on the course with his wife and friends.

Some of his accomplishments and volunteer services include: Civil Air Patrol; U.S. Power Squadron; Chief of the Anna Maria Volunteer Fire Dept (where he brought the first fire truck to the island); and Anna Maria Island Erosion Control Board. He was a founder and became CEO of the Island Bank. Hugh also owned and operated Holmes Construction Company, Inc. until the early 1970’s. Many of the houses, motels, condominiums and commercial buildings on the island were built by Hugh.

Hugh is preceded in death by his brother, John, and daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Don Rowe.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Hugh, Jr (Chris); daughters, Deborah (Glenn) Hall; Cherri (Johnny) Rigney; Jean (Bill) Bystrom; Judy (Steve) Titsworth; 19 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Services will be held at Roser Memorial Community Church, where Hugh was a lifelong member, at 2:00pm on Wednesday the 17th of May. For those unable to attended in person, the Service may be watched live online at Roserchurch.com youtube channel., http://www.youtube.com/@roserchurch.

A short reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall with a private family burial afterwards.

Memorial contributions may be made in Hugh’s name to the Islanders 4 Clean Water (c/o Holmes Beach City Hall) and Roser Memorial Community Church.