Carl James Holmes

On the morning of July 10, 2026, the world said goodbye to Carl James Holmes, lovingly known as “Papaw”. Born on October 6, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas, Carl’s life was one filled with adventure, music, laughter, and an unwavering love for the people around him.

Although he was born in Arkansas, Carl spent much of his childhood growing up in Chicago, and throughout his life called many places home, including North Carolina, Southern Illinois, and Southeast Missouri. No matter where life took him, he carried with him a welcoming spirit that made everyone feel like family.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Henry Holmes and Eugenia Holmes; his beloved daughter, Valerie Jean Holmes; his son, Carl James Holmes, Jr.; his granddaughter, Autumn Angel; his granddaughter, Daisha Holmes; and his siblings Roberta, Tom, Melvin, Lomay and Dewayne.

He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Donna, who stood beside him through life’s many chapters. He is also survived by his children Shonda and Steve; his cherished grandchildren Carl Garner, Hatilyn Holmes, and Jayce Holmes; his sister Jeannie and brother Pete. He also leaves behind countless extended family members and dear friends.

To know Carl was to know music. It wasn’t simply something he enjoyed—it was part of who he was. Whether he was singing from the heart, strumming along to a favorite tune, or sharing songs that told stories of love, life, and faith, he had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Music was his language, and through it he comforted others, made them laugh and created memories.

Carl loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to experience life. He never met a stranger for long. Whether sitting on a porch, around a campfire, or gathered with family and friends, he could captivate a room with his stories. He had a way of making every conversation unforgettable, leaving people smiling, laughing, or reflecting long after the story had ended.

One of the first things many people remember about Carl was his signature cowboy hat. It became more than just something he wore—it was a symbol of the man himself: genuine, proud, full of character, and unmistakably Carl. If you saw that cowboy hat coming, you knew there would be music, laughter, a good story, and a warm welcome close behind.

Above all else, Carl loved his family. He found joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort knowing that the songs he sang, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely will never fade. His legacy is not only found in the family he leaves behind, but in every heart he inspired along the way.

Your music may have quieted here on Earth, but the melody of your life will continue to play in our hearts forever. Your stories will continue to be told, your laughter will continue to echo in our memories, and your cowboy hat will forever remind us of a man who lived life fully, loved deeply, and left this world far better than he found it.

You will be loved, remembered, and missed beyond words.

The family will honor Carl with a private service.