February 12, 2024, 80, La Grange —
August 24, 1943 – February 12, 2024
Much like he lived, in a quiet and gentle manner, Waylon Royce Holmes left this world for his eternal home in heaven on Monday, February 12, 2024. Royce was born August 24, 1943, in Lenoir County to the late Nerius Carr Holmes, Sr. and Naomi Johnson Holmes. His son, Jeffrey Glenn Holmes, preceded him in death on June 5, 2020.
Though Royce worked for many years and retired from AT&T/Bellsouth, he wasn’t one to sit idle. Before long, he began a lawncare business that not only occupied his time, it provided quality lawn care to many in the area. Believing strongly in Colossians 3:23, Royce attended to each detail as if it were for the Lord. From mowing and weed eating to edging and raking, everything had to be perfect. Loving to work with his hands, he truly enjoyed every minute that he worked. His word was his bond and you could rely on any task being done to perfection. To make it even better, he almost always had his bride, Elsie, at his side.
When picturing Royce, you always picture Elsie right alongside him. From the very beginning, Royce was smitten with Elsie. He tried to be in the hall at school every day just to make sure he could see her. Their first date was on April 22, 1960, and just over three years later on December 20, 1963, the two married. Exactly six years after their first date, they welcomed their first child, Jeff, into their lives. The family circle was completed with Tammy’s birth in 1968.
Excelling in the little things in a relationship, Royce was attentive to Elsie throughout the years. When he’d leave the house, Elsie could often expect to find a sweet and thoughtful note. Every chance to hear the song, “I’d Choose You Again” by the Forrester Sisters was a reminder to both of them how blessed they were to have each other. Sitting in the swing with Elsie, though a simple act, was the perfect way to spend time together.
Growing up, Jeff and Tammy learned that Daddy not only gave them unconditional love, he taught them many life lessons that served them well. Many life lessons were learned while holding a flashlight under the hood of a car. Royce beamed with pride in knowing that both his children could change tires, plumb, troubleshoot, and handle anything mechanical. The grandchildren were the apples of his eyes and they could always count on him being present in their activities. If they ever found themselves in a bind, they all knew they could call 1-800-Granddaddy and he’d appear instantly.
A man of deep faith, Royce centered his life around his relationship with Christ. His kind eyes, small stature, and quiet nature fit him perfectly. Never overbearing or confrontational, he fully exemplified the fruit of the spirit in his actions: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As a lifelong member of La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, Royce’s life was one of service to his Lord and to his fellow man. A deacon in the church, he often worked behind the scenes, never seeking any glory or recognition. If he saw someone in need, it mattered not whether they were friend, family, or strangers. It was in his nature to serve and to give without any hesitation.
For Royce, American Pickers was his television show of choice. Watching the “pickers” find treasure where others saw junk was pure delight. Royce had a similar nature, always believing that something could be repaired and restored, or if not, repurposed. He believed the same was true for people, too. He had the ability to see the good in everyone, never letting the blemishes of life cloud his love, care, and concern for others.
Royce was known to his family by many names: Husband, Daddy, Granddaddy, Fuddy Duddy, Pa, Great-Granddaddy, and Brother. Though Royce cherished each of these titles and the relationships that they represented, none compared to his most precious name: Child of God.
A service to celebrate and honor Royce’s life will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie V. Hobgood officiating. A graveside committal service will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Royce is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elsie Carlyle Holmes; daughter, Tammy Holmes Taylor and husband, Lynn; five grandchildren, Taylor Holmes and wife, Rainey, Kelsey Holmes, Lynsey Taylor, Jared Taylor and Ellie Sheppard; great-grandson, Wyatt Holmes; two sisters, Elaine Tyndall and Brenda Strickland; three brothers, Gerald Holmes, Dean Johnson and wife, Edna, Bryce Johnson and wife, Nelda; brothers-in-law, Bill Haddock and Wayne Carlyle; along with a number of very special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and son, Royce was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Fred and Eleanor Carlyle, whom he thought of as his own family; along with five siblings and his special in-laws, Margaret “Dot” Haddock, Merle Foss (Dulon), Joyce Edwards (John Ira), N.C. Holmes, Jr. (Doris), Fay Letchworth (Hally), Melton “Tootie” Tyndall, George Strickland, Nell Holmes and Margaret Carlyle Vail.
Family and friends will be received on Friday during the hour before the service. Royce’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Gwen Maravelas, Lois Spencer, Michelle Brice, and 3HC for their loving care and support.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Memorials may be made to
La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church
802 South Caswell Street
La Grange, NC 28551
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
