William was born March 19, 1948 to the parents of Leroy Holmes and Louise Burrage Holmes.
William was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents; son, William Holmes, Jr. sibling, Molly Thomas.
William is survived by; wife, Deborah Holmes; children, Kendrick K. Holmes (LaToya), LaPatrick D. Holmes, Antawan Holmes (Tameka), Marcus Holmes (Tashonna), Maggie Y. Riddle (Rotunda), Adrienne L. Waldrip (Frederick) and Tonnee Holmes; 24 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, siblings, Purvis Holmes, Willie E. Harris, Annie Mae Curtis, Gary Holmes and Rosie F. Harris (Rev. David);nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other relatives and family.