J. Chester Holmes

May 29, 1923 - September 8, 2012

Mr. J. Chester Holmes, 89, of the Central Community Harrisburg, Ark., departed this life to join his wife of sixty three years. Chester was born on May 29, 1923 to William Hardy and Lydia Upshaw Holmes. Chester married Elizabeth Qualls on July 3, 1943. They moved to Central Community in 1960. He was a farmer and worked for Jack and Sue Winningham then continued working for Jackie and Doug Winningham until he retired. Chester loved talking with friends and trading dogs. Everyone will miss seeing him sitting on the porch and waving as they pass by on their way to work or town. Chester was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elizabeth Holmes, a daughter Janie Little and two sons Bobby and Johnnie Holmes, two brothers Elmer and Kenneth Holmes. Chester is survived by a sister, Phyllis Gandy of Trumann and a brother Milburn Holmes of Rockfort, IL. Sons: James Holmes of Hardy, Glen Holmes and Rickey Holmes both of Harrisburg, Larry Holmes of Cantonment, Fla, Mark Holmes of Pensacola, Fla., Tommy Holmes of Jonesboro, and Ronnie Holmes of Piggott. Three daughters: Mai Snow of Jonesboro, Sheila Armstrong of Harrisburg and Kathy Dickens of Trumann; 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Honorary family members, Sue Winningham, Jackie Winningham, Doug Winningham, Adeline Moss and Beverly Harris. Special thanks to Bridgett with Home Health Professional and Dr. Brannon Treece and his staff at NEA Clinic in Trumann. Funeral service will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark., with Gary Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Jonesboro, Ark. Pallbearers will be Dan Holmes, Gary Holmes, Josh Holmes, Justin Jones, Chris Vaught and Charlie Goad. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Holmes, Brian Lane, Jackie Winningham, Doug Winningham, James Hooker and Gary Cunningham. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.