Walter Cecil Holmes Jr.

February 4, 1937 - March 12, 2017

Walter Cecil Holmes, Jr., 80, affectionately known to many as “Tudor” or “Coach”, formerly of Dallas, TX; passed away on Sunday; March 12, 2017 at his home in Bullard, TX. Graveside services are scheduled for 11AM on Thursday; March 16th at The Madisonville City Cemetery in Madisonville, TX with Branden Maness and Darryle Dunks presiding. A memorial service is scheduled later that day beginning at 4PM at Emerald Bay Community Church in Bullard, TX. Serving as pallbearers are his sons-in-law Randy Walker, Joe Bridges, and Bruce O’Connor and his grandsons Matthew Walker, Micah Roe, Harrison Holmes, and Hudson Holmes. Coach was born on February 4, 1937 in Dallas, TX to Walter Cecil Holmes, Sr. and Jennie Margaret (Harrison) Holmes. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1955, from Mississippi College in 1959 with his bachelor’s degree, and from SMU in 1972 with his master’s degree. He taught and coached in Drew, MS from 1959 to 1966 and from 1966 to 1996 he taught, coached, and was an administrator at Highland Park High School in Dallas, TX. Coach worked as a “film scout” for the Dallas Cowboys during “the Tom Landry era” and the Cowboys were his team. Tudor’s hobbies included golf, model trains, attending sporting events, and attending the activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1987, a community newspaper name Cecil “Father of the Year and in 1999, he was awarded the Highland Park High School Distinguished Alumni award. Cecil was a member of the “Golden Tees” golf group where he served as president in 1999-2000. Coach was a man full of love for His Lord, family, and friends. He was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, TX where at the age of 13, he accepted Christ and was baptized. After retiring and moving to Emerald Bay, he became a faithful member and supporter of Emerald Bay Community Church. Tudor was a loving husband to his wife Louise for 60 years. Their marriage was the epitome of life, love, faithfulness, and happiness – it was truly a love story. Coach loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He treasured the times he spent with them and did his best to be at all of their events. At the end of each visit or telephone call, he left them with words of wisdom, encouragement, and love. Tudor was a mentor, a counselor, and an encourager and there was mutual love between his students and players. Cecil is survived by his wife, Mary Louise (Knight) Holmes and his children, Cynthia Walker and husband Randy, Sara Margaret O’Connor and husband Bruce, Cecilia Louise Bridges and husband Joe, Patricia Suellen Holmes, Walter Cecil Holmes, III and wife Candee, and Stephanie Roe. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew and Lee Walker, Heather and Jim Houk, Erin and Greg Novosel, Jennifer and Michael DeLoach, Mary Margaret Walker, Martha Vaye Walker, Joni Sue Bonds, Adrian and Ben Palazzolo, Paige and Danny Blanco, Megan E. Roe, Micah and Heather Roe, Jillian C. Bridges, and Hayley, Harrison, and Hudson Holmes. Finally, he is survived by his great grandchildren, Cameron D. Thrower, Elijah R., Ally M., and Lily S. Walker, Haiden H. Walker, Dawson M. and Connor J. DeLoach, Peyton and Hudson Houk, Adelyn P. Bonds, Ava roe, and Emma L. and Charlie L. Palazzolo. Tudor loved his wife and family unmeasurably, he loved the Lord, and he was loved and respected by so many. His legacy of friendliness, being a quiet listener, and faithfulness to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren is truly the greatest achievement in his life. In memory of Coach, memorials may be given to Emerald Bay Community Church or to Highland Park High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.