Donald "Don" Preston Holmes

Donald “Don” Preston Holmes, age 84, was born on December 6, 1937, and was welcomed into his Savior’s embrace on November 23, 2022, at Brookdale Assisted Living, Bristol, Virginia.

Don grew up in a log home just outside of Saltville, VA.  As a child, he and his family enjoyed working cattle on Flat Top Mountain and camping there.  They harvested the produce they grew on the mountain along with wild berries to preserve for the coming year.  He married Elizabeth on August 25, 1956, only after the officiant called her father to confirm it was alright.  He worked as a drill operator on the construction of I-81 and later on Highway 107.  He began working for the Washington County Service Authority at age 25, where he worked for over 50 years.  He held several positions there and during his last 20 years he served as Plant Manager of the Route 58 facility.  One of his greatest joys was singing at church or with family, and during his time at Brookdale Assisted Living where he and Elizabeth moved to later in life, he sang with friends and performed at events.  He loved his church family and he served there as deacon, song leader, and adult Sunday school teacher over the years.  He had a huge heart, always had a kind word to share, and loved to tell stories and jokes to make others smile.  He considered himself incredibly blessed by God, and loved to share his salvation experience with those he met.

Don Holmes is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Leona Elizabeth, his parents, Tom and Ethel Holmes; his brothers, Malcom, Ken, Lincoln, Marvin, John, Richard, Arlie, and two-year old Dewey; his sisters Francis Mutter, Mary Perkins, and infant Beulah; and his one unnamed sibling.  He is also preceded in death by close friend, Bobby Minton.

Don is survived by his son Preston Holmes and wife, Ginger of Damascus; grandson Jacob Holmes and wife, Hannah of Bristol; sisters, Kate Eastridge of Abingdon, VA; Geneva Henegar and husband, Bob of Glade Spring, VA, and Jeanette DeShazo of Martinsville, VA; brother, Henry of Greer, SC; the Brookdale gang: Vince, Ruth, and Audrey; and special friends Rev. Roger and Wanda Williams and the rest of their church family.

Don loved and was loved by so many dedicated staff and residents during his time at Brookdale. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale and Caris Healthcare for treating Don as one of their own.  

For those who would like to make a donation in his memory, please send donations to the Abingdon First Assembly of God at 250 Phillips St NW, Abingdon, VA 24210.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 26, 2022, 10:00 am- 11:00 am at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Roger Williams officiating. The burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family of Donald “Don” Preston Holmes is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA (276) 623-2700.