Robert L. Holmes age 79, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born in Bedford, VA on January 14, 1937 to the late Samuel and Minnie Holmes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Charles, James and Hal Holmes; one sister, Lena Holmes and three sisters-in-law: Elizabeth, Retha and Georgia Holmes.

He joined the Washington Street Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful member until his health failed. His education included Susie G. Gibson High School from which he graduated from in 1955 and North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC.

He was employed at Rubatex Corp. and retired in 2001 after 40 years of faithful service of which he had many friends whom he kept in touch with through the years. He loved yard work and sports; his favorite team(s) being the Washington Redskins and the Virginia Cavaliers.

Being a caring and loving person, Robert, never meet a stranger. He was a friend to everyone.

He is survived by his loving brother, William C. Holmes of Columbus, OH; a goddaughter, Joanne Bryant of Goode, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 12-noon at Washington Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Fairmont Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call the funeral home from 12-noon until 8pm on Wednesday for viewing.