Obituary of Melvin E. Holmes, Sr.

Melvin E. Holmes, Sr., 75, of Troy, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by his loving family on June 16, 2026, at Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, NY.

Born in Conway, SC, and growing up in Myrtle Beach, SC, he was the son of the late Edison and Leona (Rogers) Holmes.

Melvin was a proud and decorated U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert (Grenade) Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Marksman (M-16) Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Sharpshooter (M-16) Medal, and was Honorable Discharge.

Melvin had been employed by Garelick Farms for many years as a truck driver and later by Logistics One in Saratoga Springs, where he continued the career he loved.

He enjoyed Motown music, watching classic westerns, especially Walker, Texas Ranger, and was dedicated to his career as a truck driver. As a young man, he played football and ran track in high school. He was a devoted father who never missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren, whether cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or proudly attending dance competitions as a dedicated dance dad. After many years on the road as a truck driver, Melvin had an incredible sense of direction. If you told him the highway and mile marker you were at, he could always tell you exactly where you were and help you find your way. Above all else, what he treasured most was spending time with his family and friends.

Beloved father to Shundell Greene, of Murrells Inlet, SC,  Melvin E. "Chico" Holmes, Jr., of Troy, NY, Shaketa L. (Jamal) Holmes-Dickinson, of East Greenbush, NY, Melvin Anthony Holmes, of Troy, NY and Monica M. Holmes of Troy, NY.  He also shared a special fatherly bond with Craigory A. Holmes of Troy, NY, and Breanna L. Miller, of East Greenbush, NY, whom he raised and never stopped loving. Cherished grandfather of several beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called him "Peepa", beloved brother of Joseph Holmes of Schenectady, NY, William R. Holmes of Myrtle Beach, SC, Peggy (Lamont) Holmes-Hairston of Wilmington, NC, Marlene Holmes-Zanders of Myrtle Beach, SC, Loretta Bethea of Murrells Inlet, SC and the late Georgia M. Holmes and the late MerticeD. Holmes, special cherished uncle to his niece, Tanya Holmes; also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Ave. (at the corner of 115th Street in Lansingburgh), Troy, NY 12182, on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., where then at 2:00 p.m. a service with shared reflections will begin.

Final funeral services will be held in South Carolina at Ocean View Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately following at Heaven's Gate Cemetery.

Mr. Holmes' family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses, respiratory therapists, patient care technicians, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and support staff of Albany Medical Center, especially the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Critical Care Unit (CCU), and Colorectal Unit, for the exceptional compassion, dedication, and care shown to Melvin and his family. The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center’s social workers, and Home Based Care staff, whose kindness, support, and unwavering commitment meant so much throughout his journey.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcome to send floral tributes in memory of Melvin E. Holmes, Sr.

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