A celebration of the life of Fred M. Holmes will be held at First Baptist Church, Laurel on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at 2 p.m. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Thursday. Dr. Randy Turner will be officiating.

Fred was born on July 7, 1935, in Lincoln County and died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013. He leaves here on earth many, many memories with his three sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph D. “Joe” and Tammy Holmes; Michael S. “Steve” and Susan Holmes; Jeffrey R. “Randy” and Cheryl Holmes; four grandchildren and spouses, Robert F. “Fred” and Robin Holmes, Daniel E. and Charla Holmes, Jessica and Reid McAndrews, and Keith and Jennifer Breazeale; six great-grandchildren, Clay Holmes, Luke Holmes, Lyle Wood, Jacob Holmes, Hunter Holmes and Tanner McAndrews; three sisters, Helen and Elmer Funk, Katherine and Henry Peavey, and Joe and Bill Brister; two brothers, James Otis Holmes and John Paul and Rita Holmes; sister-in-law, Peggy Holmes; the mother of his children, Jane Anderson; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dear son, Robert M. “Bobby” Holmes, as well as his brother, Tommy Holmes; parents, Maggie and Otis Holmes; and grandparents, Joe and Cora Holmes.

Fred graduated as valedictorian from Enterprise High School in Brookhaven in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge on Oct. 18, 1958, receiving several awards. After his Army career, he broke out in the oilfield on drilling rigs. His career included time at Dowell Chemical and Halliburton.

He began his career and his friendship with Chesley Pruet in 1967. He went to Eldorado, Ark., and trained under Mr. Pruet. His career continued with Chesley Pruet Drilling Co. as vice president and operations manager until his retirement in 1997, at which time he began his next adventure in his beloved oilfield as an independent consultant, and worked regularly overseeing drilling and workover rig operations. He was a member of numerous oilfield organizations, including API, the IADC and the AESC. Fred was a believer in hard work, continuing to set that example by remaining in the workforce until his death.

Fred’s family was of the utmost importance to him, proud of each of his sons and grandchildren, and enjoying the arrival of each new great-grandchild.

He was a generous man, quietly assisting countless young students in their educational and extracurricular endeavors. He listened to those around him and quietly provided for needs that he recognized both in the oilfield and outside. Fred was affectionately known as the “Dad” of the oilfield, not only because of his longevity of service, but because of his interest in everyone about him and his knowledge of all things oilfield related. He mentored many in his career span and his passing will leave a void not only in the individual lives he touched, but also in the oilfield community.

Pallbearers will be Casey Coffin, Karson Bates, Robert Burroughs, Chris Holifield, Darrel Woodson and Steve Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in his memory be made to Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundations, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C, Augusta, GA 30909.