Joseph "McCray" Holmes' Obituary
Rev. Dr. Joseph McCray Holmes was received into the loving arms of the Savior on Sunday, September 14th at 10:00 pm at age 95. He is survived by his wife June, son Kenneth (Linda), His daughter Kathy Frizzell, His brother, Harold, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kimberly Holmes, brother Ralph Lane Holmes, and his son-in-law, Ron Frizzell.
McCray was born on December 22, 1929, in Franklinton, North Carolina to Maurice and Annie Laurie Holmes, He attended Southern Pilgrim College, Trevecca Nazarene College, and Peabody Teacher's College. On July 13th, 1953, he married June Campbell.
He served as Pastor in the Pilgrim Holiness Church, The Church of the Nazarene, and in the Baptist Church. He served as a Chaplain for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and taught school.
In 1965, He and his family, along with a small group of people, started the Charlotte Calvary Church of the Nazarene in east Charlotte. He pastored this growing and vibrant congregation until he transferred to Akron OH and served a Nazarene congregation. He returned to Calvary Nazarene in 1978 and once again the church flourished under his care until 1987.
He served the Northdale Baptist church for 19 years and during this time also led the Singing Men of America.
Upon his retirement, he returned to the Cavalry Church of the Nazarene to serve as associate pastor and support staff. He taught Sunday school, led the senior adult ministry, and the churches calling and visitation ministry. He was awarded the title of Pastor Emeritus. In 2021, he received an earned Doctor of Theology degree from New Vision College and Seminary. He was actively engaged in his lifelong ministry until the day of his hospitalization prior to his death.
He was known for his gentleness, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. He was a great husband and father as well as an effective pastor and leader and was held in the highest esteem by family, friends, and church and community leaders.
Celebration of Life services will be held at Calvary Church of the Nazarene at 4000 North Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC on Saturday September 27th. Visitation will be at 10:00 and service at 11:00.
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