Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15 NIV. David Robert Holmes, age 63 of Lexington was indeed a faithful servant who died early Tuesday morning, July 27, 2021, at 6:14 am after a valiant battle with Covid-19 in Nashville. It’s fitting that he died early in the morning because David was always an early riser. Tuesday, he got up early to go and be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
David was born on Friday, September 27, 1957, to Connie Lou and the late Ollie D. Holmes in Lexington at the Conger Clinic. He became a Christian at age nine, graduated from the Lexington school system and received his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Union University. Called to ministry at an early age, he served as a worship and student minister throughout college. Soon after his graduation, he joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Lexington and served twenty-nine years as the Minister of Music and Youth. During this time, David touched the lives of many and challenged them to love God and live life to its fullest. His passion for worship and choir will be remembered through all the rehearsals, performances, and individuals he led and encouraged to pursue their musical talent for the Lord. There was no end to his creativity in challenging youth and others to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world and cultures around them. As a PADI Master Dive Trainer, he trained youth and adults to scuba dive, and countless memories were formed around the pool and the dive trips that followed. Many youth credit David with their first trip to the ocean and out of the country. From repelling to white-water rafting to snow skiing to hiking to safaris to pyramids and more, David shared his life and his love for Christ in these activities with those he loved, and these memories will linger forever. He played a significant role in the life of hundreds maybe thousands by sharing profound biblical truths that are now being passed down to new generations. The youth that traveled with him will always remember his words, “Remember, wherever you go and whatever you do, you first of all represent the Lord Jesus Christ and second the First Baptist Church, so act accordingly.”
After retiring from the music and youth ministry, David partnered as a Global Missions Strategist with the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. As a member of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, David also served as the Global Missions Pastor. His entire life was about helping people and spreading Christ’s kingdom through evangelism, discipleship, and missions. Over the years, he ministered in hundreds of revivals, funerals and weddings. Beyond touching thousands through church ministry, he led hundreds of people on mission projects in over fifteen countries all over the world. He went to some of the most challenging and strategic mission fields on earth. David never met a stranger, and he lived to share Christ’s love with every person and nation. David was passionate about sharing the gospel and teaching others that they were capable of doing it too. Following are just a few examples:
“He pushed me, and I know many others, to do things out of their comfort zone, which I will forever be thankful for. He taught me to travel the world. He put me in situations to share my faith. It is because of him I know how to Scuba dive, repel from cliffs, drive a car on the wrong side of the road in a foreign country, and most of all, step out in faith. He made me braver than I would have been without him.”
“He has been the single most influential person in my spiritual development. That alone, has shaped all the decisions in my life. To this day, when trying to find a church where my kids will grow up, I compare all youth ministers to him. Needless to say, no one is ever good enough!”
“He trusted us, he loved us and he believed in us. He was a gift to my family, and I pray he knew how thankful we are for him.”
“He encouraged me and pushed me beyond my comfortable place to share Jesus with others. He taught me to love all Nations, literally every tribe and tongue, but he especially set my heart on fire for the people of Kenya… His heart was as big as they come, and generosity was one of his best virtues.”
“He was assuring. He spoke hope and life into shaky legs and a trembling mouth. David trusted me, pushed me, sent me on planes, shoved me into classrooms in Kenya, told me to climb camels and pyramids in Egypt. He knew the importance of what truly mattered …. Souls knowing Jesus and spending eternity with him.”
“There are not enough ‘thank yous’ for how you made me a better person. I want to take others to the nations as you did for me.”
“What a great guy who led so many to Christ”
“He was an encourager and loved nothing more than to see people set on fire for the gospel and putting their ‘Yes’ on the table for Jesus. I can’t even tell you the things he taught me through the years, I learned so much about the cultures of the world.”
Surviving David is his wife of 37 years, Tracey June Holmes, his faithful partner who shared his vision, and who together touched the world. After 37 years, they still refer to one another as “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.” David’s love for Tracey was always evident. Their respect, openness and total support for one another is something rarely seen and will forever be a model for a Godly marriage. He is also survived by his sister, Lona Carol Webb and his mother, Connie Lou Holmes. David was a major influence in the lives of his nieces and nephews: Hilary, Aaron, Gabe and Samantha Grissom; Sunnie, James ‘Buddy’, Sophia and Lincoln Dickson; Steven Williams, Cyndal Storey and Nova; Kris, Robin, Willow and Nora Kelley; and Brandie, Konner and Mason Kelley and Lacie Dyer.
David’s funeral will be held at 9:00 AM Friday, outdoors on the lawn of his home at 691 Crazy Doe Road in Lexington with Dr. Hoyt Wilson and Dr. Gregory Frizzell officiating. Interment will follow at Lexington Cemetery.
His love of missions was a driving force in David’s life, and his family asks that donations be made to the non-profit organization, Mission Projects in lieu of flowers. Checks can be mailed to: Mission Projects, 691 Crazy Doe Road, Lexington, TN 38351. Let’s close with one of David’s favorite Bible passages, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Matthew 25:23
