William Henry Holmes, II (Age 62) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

William Henry Holmes, II, was born, February 3, 1957 in Washington, DC, to Colbert and Estelle (Lewis) Holmes. He was one of two children and was the brother of Linda Gail Holmes-Pinckney. Billy, or, Bill, following the example of his parents, Deacon and Deaconess Holmes, accepted Christ at an early age and never departed from a Christ-like way of life. He was baptized by the late Reverend Rodney L. Young, Pastor of Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Nanjemoy, Maryland and he later joined Jordan Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, Maryland, under the leadership of Reverend William J. Smith, former Pastor of Jordan. Billy was an active member and sang in many groups.

Billy was educated in the District of Columbia and Maryland public school systems. He graduated from Suitland High School, Forestville, Maryland. Billy also attended classes at Prince George's Community College. Bill approached school and learning the same way he approached life, with dedication and diligence to the task at hand.

Billy had a long, distinguished and rewarding federal career, retiring, July 2016, as the Administrator of the Smithsonian African Arts Museum under the leadership of Dr. Johnetta B. Cole. He was looking forward to receiving his first Social Security check, April 2019. Right out of high school, Billy's first job was an apprentice with his Dad at the ACE Federal Reporters in Washington, DC. His last job was probably the most enjoyable because it gave him opportunities to travel, which was one of his favorite pastimes and to meet many interesting people. It also broadened his perceptions of the world and life.

Bill was a gifted and talented "fixer upper" who completed many home improvement projects, not only in his own home, but, also his parents' home. He loved animals and will be sorely missed by his dogs, Quincy and Champ. Bill's interest in genealogy was establishing him as the family's keeper of the records.

He loved his family and his parents were blessed by his attentiveness and deep devotion to them. He was unselfish, kind and a cherished and respected member of his family and the communities in which he lived and worked. Bill made the world a better place and touched many lives in a positive way.

Bill did not have children, but that was probably a part of God's Master Plan. He was the uncle/Dad to his beloved nephews/sons, Matthew (Duke), Charles (Chuck), Matthias Pinckney, Micah Pinckney, and Matthew, Jr. and his niece, Leyla Pinckney. He took his role in their lives seriously and they had no doubt that Uncle Billy had their backs.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Colbert Holmes, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lewis and his namesake and uncle, William H. Holmes.

Billy leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, sisters, Linda and Wanda, niece and nephews, many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and many close and dear friends. His going home leaves a void in many lives.

His Gathering will be 10:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Friday, April 5, 2019 at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.

Interment, Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722.