Saltville, Va.

Mr. Sam Holmes died peacefully at Johnston Memorial Hospital at the age of 89 on Friday April 28th, 2023. Sam was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force serving as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned home to Saltville where he became a member of the Saltville Police Department. He was the Chief of Police until his retirement in 1992. Sam was an incredibly talented musician and shared his gift everywhere from Korea to all parts of Southwest Virginia. He loved the Lord with all his heart and never hesitated to share his testimony wherever he went. He led the congregation of Saltville Baptist Church in song for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents C.A. and Margaret Holmes, brothers: C.W. Holmes, Eugene Holmes, and Douglas Holmes.

Surviving him are his wife of 66 years, Georgia Holmes; his daughters, Jeannie Austin (Wayne) & Janet Leedy (Marty); grandchildren, Lindsey Austin Reddersen (Brian), Tony Woods, Lesley Austin Pennington (Chad), and Bo Woods; Great-Grandchildren, Caroline and Carson Reddersen; Mackenzie, Brayden, and Abigail Woods; Ellyson Pennington; Blaine and Colton Woods. Sisters, Nancy Holmes and Shelva Jean Chapman; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Debbie Dye who helped care for him in his final days.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Saltville Baptist Church with Rev. John Chapman and Pastor Dan Jividen officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. Committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Blackwell's Chapel Cemetery.

There is no question that as he walked through the gates of Heaven, that the Lord said "Well done, thy good and faithful servant".

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melvin C. "Sam" Holmes.