Lucien Rhodes Holmes

Lucien Rhodes Holmes, 85, of Woodstock, Georgia passed away on November 22, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and close friends throughout his final days. He was born to Lucien Greene Holmes and Florence Watson Holmes in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 3, 1939. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jean Jasenzak Holmes. Lucien leaves behind his devoted daughter, Rebecca, and her husband Christopher as well as grandchildren Alyssa and Michael. Lucien grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He was raised and baptized in the Methodist church. After graduating high school, he spent six years in the Navy serving on the USS Antietam. One of his favorite memories was visiting New Orleans during Mardis Gras with the ship. In 1957 he was honorably discharged from the Navy and enrolled in the University of South Carolina. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Following college graduation, Lucien moved to Washinton, D.C. and became an insurance adjuster. He met his future wife, Jean, through his work: While investigating an insurance claim at a nursing home, he interviewed Jean, a young physical therapist there. His final interview question for Jean was if she had any dinner plans that Saturday night. Their first date was at the Old Europe restaurant in Alexandria, Virgina. Jean would later say she realized he must be a regular there when the owners came out from the kitchen multiple times during the meal and fussed over Lucien, including tucking a napkin into this shirt. Jean and Lucien married in November of 1966 and would continue enjoying dining out for their entire marriage. Lucien always loved good food and good service. He liked free bread with his meals as well. If the bread or biscuits were not free and the service was not good, he would ask to speak to the manager, the regional manager and threaten to write to the CEO. His daughter is sure every Cracker Barrel in a 50-mile radius still has pictures of him posted in their kitchen, so the staff know to bring him his free biscuits and corn bread immediately. Jean and Lucien moved to south Florida for Lucien’s work shortly after their marriage. They soon purchased a home in Delray Beach and would live there for over forty years. Jean and Lucien enjoyed traveling and spent much time of their free time in the early days of their marriage exploring the Caribbean by sailboat. They welcomed a daughter, Rebecca Ann, in 1973. Although this put an end to their sailing adventures, they did purchase a series of VW Camper vans and took many road trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. Lucien was an avid trip planner and spent hours pouring over maps and guidebooks, yellow highlighter in hand, marking spots to stop at, hotels to stay at and restaurants to try. Soon after moving to Florida, Lucien founded his own insurance agency. He successfully ran that agency for over forty years until retiring. Lucien enjoyed cultural events and volunteered with the Gilbert and Sullivan Light Opera Society in Palm Beach. He loved learning and was an avid reader, marking everything he thought especially interesting with his ever-present yellow highlighters. For many years he owned a BMW touring bike and loved taking it for a spin along the Florida coastal highway, A1A, as well as on trips to the family’s favorite vacation spot, Fripp Island, South Carolina. Lucien’s true goodness of heart was reflected in his kindness to every animal he met. His favorite mode of relaxation after a long day’s work was to lay on the living room carpet in front of the TV, petting the pile of dogs and cats that happily surrounded him. When his wife and daughter brought home strays or wounded wildlife, he welcomed these creatures with kindness and open arms. What made Lucien even more exceptional was his devotion to his family. Not having had much as a child, he took pride and joy in providing well for his wife and daughter. As Jean’s health deteriorated in her later years, Lucien became her caregiver, always putting her needs above his own. After Jean’s passing, Lucien moved to an apartment near his daughter. In his final years, father and daughter enjoyed shopping for furnishings for his new home and going to lunch together. Lucien also enjoyed spending time with a bi-weekly coffee club with friends Lucien missed Jean tremendously, however, and has now followed her home. Their heaven is certainly filled with many good restaurants and lots of friendly animals. A service for Lucien will be held at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m. A buffet will be served afterwards. True to Lucien’s spirit, bread baskets will naturally be provided. The service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4888737

Tributes

Lucien Rhodes Holmes

October 3, 1939 - November 22, 2024