Larry M Holmes Jr, age 60, a resident of North Richland Hills, TX, was born in Fairbanks, AK January 24, 1957 to Larry and Laura Holmes. He passed away on December 9, 2017 surrounded by family and a few close friends.

His mother, Laura, and his great nephew Griffin Levi Smith preceded Larry in death. His father, Larry M Holmes Sr., his sister Debbie Riggs, and his two “almost perfect nieces” and their families survive him. Haley Smith his “almost perfect oldest niece” and her husband, Brad, aka “Jerk face” are the parents of Grayson, Camdyn, and Colby. Whitney Coben his “almost perfect baby niece” and her husband David, aka “Turdball” and their son Brayden round out his immediate family.

Larry will be remembered for his impact on the thousands of lives he touched throughout his life and career. He was first and foremost a critical thinker, possessing an intellectual stature disproportionately large for his small physical stature. He had a lifelong passion for music, especially anything with “real country” or “classic rock” that met his standards. He was passionate about social justice and meaningful political solutions to give a hand up for those who needed it.

Upon graduation from South Garland High School Larry set out on a path devoted to learning, making an impact on our society, at the local, state and national levels, and imparting his knowledge to future generations through his work as an educator.

At Hardin-Simmons University he was an active campus leader, involved in student government, the “World Famous Cowboy Band”, and various campus organizations. His senior year he pledged Tau Alpha Phi and joined a brotherhood he loved through the years. I’m sure you will hear more of his HSU years at his memorial service.

After college Larry spent the next 15 years in public service working in Washington DC and Austin as everything from a legislative aide to Chief of Staff for the Texas House of Representatives. His development during those years prepared him for the years of teaching History, Economics, and Government, primarily at Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas and then Vernon College. Along the way he earned a graduate degree in US History, American Indian History and Political and Economic History from Texas A& M University-Commerce campus.

Evidence of the impact Larry had on others is obvious from the many posts in his honor and fond memories shared on his Facebook timeline since his passing. I encourage you to visit his page and read the tributes detailing his impact on his family, friends, former students and colleagues. It is heart warming and would indeed humble him.

Larry loved his family. His dad had a son who looked up to him, always called him “daddy” and Larry was always amazed at the next chapter in Senior’s life. His sister and nieces were blessed to have a brother and uncle in Larry that never missed a milestone along the path for them and their children. If there was a birthday event, a graduation ceremony, a wedding, an anniversary or anything to celebrate, he was there. And I suspect in the years ahead he will still be there through the many memories his family has of his life.

A celebrationservice for Larry will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, December 16th at Eastgate Funeral Home, 1910 Eastgate Dr., Garland, TX. Instead of your typical funeral attire, please wear your jeans and boots as Larry would have for you!

In lieu of flowers, please direct gifts in Larry's honor to his college fraternity scholarship fund, an organization that has been close to his heart for nearly 40 years. You may donate online @ hsutx.edu or you may send checks to:

Tau Alpha Phi-Weldon Exum Memorial ScholarshipHardin Simmons UniversityPO Box 16100Abilene, TX 79698