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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF KENNETH E. HOLMES
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes was called home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes was born in Melbourne, Florida, to Amos and Bertha Holmes, on December 11, 1947; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes attended Brevard Junior College where he earned his A.A. Degree. He went on to earn his B.A. in History, with a minor in Sociology and Education, from Florida State University. While attending Florida State University, Kenneth was initiated as a member of the Chi Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, after completing his college degree, Kenneth E. Holmes enlisted in the Army where he served in Munich, Germany from 1971-1973; and
WHEREAS, upon completing his military duty, Kenneth E. Holmes started his career in public service in 1973 as an Employment Interviewer and Veterans Specialist with the Florida Department of Commerce-now known as the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security. His hard work and dedicated service would lead to a transfer to the Division of Unemployment Compensation where he earned promotions as Office Manager, Area Administrator, and Chief of Staff of the Bureau of Claims and Benefits; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes’ deep knowledge and expertise in unemployment compensation and labor matters elevated him to become Assistant Director where he served as the Acting Director of the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security. Two years later, he would be appointed as the Director of the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security (FDLES); and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Kenneth E. Holmes, FDLES received numerous awards including the Davis Productivity Award/Exemplary Agency (1993); Sterling Quality Achievement Award for Leadership and Team Based Approach (1996); Sterling Quality Achievement Award for Strategic Planning (1997); Governor’s Sterling Award (1998); and Tallahassee Democrat Volunteer of the Year Award/Business Category, (1998). Kenneth E. Holmes would be recognized for his excellent pubic service through the Secretary of Labor Leadership Award, Bronze Leaf Superior Accomplishment Award; and
WHEREAS, prior to his 35-year retirement as a public servant, Kenneth E. Holmes served as the Relationship Manager in the Division of Internship & Career Development Programs in Florida A&M’s School of Business and Industry. He retired in 2006 and became an avid bowler where he won numerous local and regional tournaments; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes an active member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon’s Board and the Board of Trustees. He also served in numerous leadership roles including a mentor and tutor to students at Nims and Leonard Wesson, the first African-American Board Member of the Florida Commerce Credit Union Board of Directors, and a Board member of the Tallahassee United States Bowling Congress; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth E. Holmes greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Von Cole Holmes, his daughters, former 7th Ward Alderman Natasha Lynnette Holmes and Adrianne R. Holmes, his brother Ronald L. Holmes, his sister R. Marie France (Edward), Cecil L. Bell, and a host of nieces and nephews; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County does hereby honor and celebrate the life of Kenneth E. Holmes and his many contributions bettering the lives of all residents in Melbourne, Florida; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of Kenneth E. Holmes.
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