R. Douglas Holmes
(11/19/26–11/11/12)
R. Douglas Holmes, affectionately known as “Doug” was a loving husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who passed away peacefully on November 11, 2012. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his loving family. Doug was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Holmes, eldest sister Gwendolyn Tunsil, younger sister Jean Wilkerson, and younger brothers Melvin “Hubert” and Gerald Holmes.
Doug is survived by his three sons, Robert Holmes of San Jose, California, Charles Holmes and his wife Jenia of Mt. Laurel, and Roswell Holmes and his wife Kimberly of Marlton; five granddaughters, Damaris Jones and her husband Jordan, Brittany Holmes, Alexis Holmes, Danielle Holmes, Lauren Holmes; his great-granddaughter Bella Jane Jones; his loving companion of many years, Priscilla Handy; and many nieces and nephews.
Doug was born in Camden on November 19, 1926 to the late Robert and Anna Mae Holmes in Camden, New Jersey. Doug was baptized at Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church (KABC) at the age of four, where he served on the Board of Trustees for over four decades and was the Church Treasurer. He was instrumental in leading the congregation in its effort to finance the building of a new structure for KABC in 1976, in which the mortgage was paid off within seven years.
Doug’s early days began at J.G. Whittier Elementary School, then Cooper B. Hatch Middle School, followed by Camden High School where he excelled in college preparatory classes with a strong interest in mathematics. He was a member of the football and track teams and graduated with honors. Doug was awarded the opportunity to attend Howard University on full scholarship with hopes of becoming a dentist, but turned it down to focus on his family; Doug was the man of the house after losing both parents. At such a young age, he took on the responsibility of raising his siblings with strong influence of his grandmother “Gram”, who taught him not to pattern his life after one person but to model the best attributes of many people.
Doug spent nearly two years serving in Germany during World War II. Shortly after the war ended, he acquired a love for law enforcement and it became his career. He spent 35 years as a loyal and dedicated police officer, retiring in 1986. He joined the Camden Police Department in 1951 and rose to the ranks of Sergeant in 1960, Lieutenant in 1968, and then became Camden’s first African American Captain in 1971. In 1983, he reached the pinnacle of his career by becoming Camden’s first African American Police Chief in 1983.. He was a decorated officer who was known for his integrity, perseverance, honesty, and compassion. Doug was also a humble and modest hero to many in the community.
Prior to becoming ill he frequently took daily walks, served as a delivery man for the Meals on Wheels program, was active in the church, and traveled all across the United States. Some places he frequently vacationed were Hawaii, California, and Florida.
Doug would like to be remembered for being a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and for cherishing his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren as are they of him. He was hardworking, admirable, and someone you could always count on.
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