of Little Rock, AR
December 17, 2018
William R. ''Bill'' Holmes of Little Rock, died peacefully December 17, 2018> he was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 21, 1949. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Holmes and his sister, Carolyn Ascher. He is survived by his wife and best friend of thirty years, Rita Wright Holmes; mother, Jean Holmes; brother, Chuck Holmes (Laurie); nephew, Matthew Holmes (Gina), nieces, Ashley Steele, Lauren Ayers (Ryan) and Angela Shapiro; one great-nephew, three great-nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bill joined Arkansas Bankers Association (ABA) in 2004 and served as President/CEO since 2011. During his tenure, he provided leadership for the Association and contributed significantly to the industry's progress. He worked diligently to help achieve the ABA's mission of making Arkansas Banks and Bankers better and more successful. Bill spent more than 40 years in the banking industry. He served on the Board of Director's for Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Economics of Arkansas and on the Board of Trustees at the Graduate School of Banking, Madison Wisconsin and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
Bill was a mentor to many, a man of honor and integrity. He could light up a room with his smile and quiet wit. He was known and admired for his positive attitude and was a loyal friend and the Rock of his family.
Bill loved fishing, duck hunting, boating, shooting pool, golf, cooking and entertaining for family and friends. He developed a passion for photography and loved traveling and experiencing new adventures with his wife, Rita.
There are people who come and go in our lives. A few touch us in ways that changes us forever, making us better for having known them. Bill Holmes was one of those people. He was loved by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Diane Wilder, M.D., Greg Engstrum, M.D. and Doug Holloway, M.D.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2018 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4501 Rahling Road, Little Rock, AR with Reverend Jeff Price officiating. A reception will follow immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARTI Foundation, 8901 Carti Way, Little Rock, AR 72205 and to Baptist Health Foundation, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Rita, our thoughts go out to you today for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man - kind, supportive, and someone who always carried himself with such grace regardless of the circumstance. He will be missed.
Mrs. Rita,
I am very sorry to hear of you loss! Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. He and I worked together for many years through business. He was a big personality and was a true professional. I was not prepared to see his name in the obits, as he graduated the same year as my husband from Catholic High. Small world and such a loss. Again, so sorry for your loss.
Rita, you are in my thoughts and Prayers.
God bless you Bill and Rita. Very sorry to be missing the service. You have so many friends here in Washington and we're all thinking of you. Bill, may you rest in peace knowing that you gave more than you received in this life.
I love you man and I’m going to miss our talks and your smile. Very much.
Rita, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My apologies for not being there in person to celebrate a life well lived. Bill’s smile absolutely lit up the room and his quiet wit was legendary. He was a mentor and friend in the truest sense. It earned him the distinction of being only one of 2 people permitted to call me “Mikey.” We will all miss him dearly.
We absolutely loved Mr. Holmes and you Mrs. Rita. There are no words to describe our sadness but what an amazing man he was!! He was a fighter and warrior to say the least. He was sooo strong. Mrs. Rita you took the best care of him. You are such an honorable woman and I know he adored you. You are a warrior. We will miss him but I know he got to see Jesus' face and he is dancing. That sense of humor will be missed!!!
We love you and him,
Emma Crumbly
Missy Predmore
Bill and my brother Bill Franke are hunting and fishing together again.
My condolences to the family for your loss of Mr. Holmes. May God strengthen and comfort you with his promise of the resurrection. Acts 24:15
Dear Holmes family and friends,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your friend and loved one. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Best regards,
Jon Florin
Executive Director
No Stomach For Cancer
Rita, I have so many wonderful memories of Bill. He was always such a joy to be around. I can hear his wonderful laugh just thinking about him. Most of all I remember and admired the love he had for you! I know he had a wonderful reunion with his family that had previously passed but also with Aunt Eloise and Uncle Dewey and Melanie. I can hear all of the laughter now. I love you Rita and pray that God wraps his arms around you and comforts you as only He can. 💕ðŸ™
Dear Rita & Holmes family -
Your friends at the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison are thinking of you and your entire family during this difficult time. Bill was an outstanding Trustee to the School but most of all, a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The GSB-WI Staff
Take comfort in the memories of your wonderful adventures, Rita. You have my sincere condolences.
Bill was a friend to all and he will be missed but the impact he made will last.
Michelle and I extend our deepest sympathy to Rita and the entire family. Bill was a one-of-a-kind fellow who encouraged, loved and served others in very special ways. We are grateful for having known him and called him friend. May God richly bless Rita and his family with a lifetime of special memories.
Rita, my heart goes out to you and the entire Holmes family and also to Bill's other family at the Arkansas Bankers Association. A kinder, southern gentlemen I have not met. Roxy and I will miss him deeply. Please take comfort in knowing that Bill's soul rests with his Savior in heaven.