Wayne Allen Holmes, Sr., 62, of Columbia, died Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Born February 27, 1959, in Columbia, he was the son of the late Franklin Theodore Holmes and Betty Sue Stone Starnes.

Wayne's greatest love in life was his family. He cared for them all dearly. He especially loved spoiling his nieces, nephew, and great nephew. Wayne was always the family member that went overboard at Christmas, or the person young family members could ask for advice. Around his community he was known for his courteous nature, often visiting neighbors, sharing stories, or delivering his famous home-grown vegetables. Wayne never met a stranger and always went out of his way to assist others, even to the extent of bringing an employee at a local store dinner when he overheard she was hungry. He loved animals, raising many dogs in his lifetime. He routinely gave his puppies away to people in the community. At his death, Wayne's three Siberian husky/German shepherd mix dogs were by his side.

In his youth, he struggled with drug addiction and was very proud to have been sober for 22 years. Since his sobriety, Wayne dedicated his life to counseling others on the dangers of drugs, especially teenagers and young adults. He loved mixed martial arts and was a large part of combat sports in South Carolina for the last 10 years. He trained at and worked with Spartan Academy in Columbia, setting up and working events, where he made many lasting friendships. Wayne worked for various construction companies in the Midlands and most recently as a crane operator for Stanick Roofing.

Survivors include his son, Wayne A. "Bubba" Holmes, Jr. of West Columbia; former spouse, Laurie Cooley Harth of West Columbia; brother, Van Ervin Holmes (Lynn) of Chapin; stepchildren, Linda Dawkins, Jessica Tackett, and Jennifer Irby (Chris), as well as nine grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces, Emily Anderson (Justin) and Noel Holmes; nephew, Brandon Holmes; great nephew, Raylan Anderson; and a multitude of extended family and friends.

A celebration of life for Wayne will be held 2 o'clock Saturday, July 3rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC with Rev. Dr. Ronald "Dee" Vaughan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me page has been created to assist Wayne's family. Please visit the link to below to contribute.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/wayne-bubba-holmes-fathers-death-expenses?qid=195456826fddf4be2e3f8677bb683a1d