February 28, 2022, 51, La Grange –
David Scott “Pumper” Holmes, 51, faithfully responded to his final call to his eternal home on February 28, 2022. He was born in Lenoir County on August 24, 1970, to Linda Faye Hill Holmes and the late Eugene Holmes.
David began work nearly as soon as he could walk, working alongside Lon Dawson on the farm. The love of working the land and running equipment was instilled in his soul, and he worked with the Dawson family for over 25 years. He was able to operate any piece of equipment and anything he could operate, he could fix. His abilities helped him to continue his career by working with Danny Smith in the lawn care maintenance field. David’s knowledge of fire safety was a great asset in his most recent career, where he served as a fireworks technician. While people marveled at the wonderful light shows that took place throughout Eastern North Carolina, many didn’t realize it was David’s expertise and talent that made them happen. Additionally, David managed several rental properties in the area. No matter the job, if there was something David wanted to do, you had better believe he was going to do it. Not only would he do it, but he would do it well and nobody could do it better.
Known as “Pumper” to many in and around La Grange, David served as a volunteer fireman with the La Grange Fire Department for over twenty years. In his first stint with the department, David worked his way up from a rookie to the Chief within ten years, and maintained that position for another ten years before his retirement. When his son, Tyler, decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps, Pumper again joined forces with the fire department to help lead his town and train his son. David’s commitment to the fire department was unwavering. He’d stop anything to answer a fire call, and even traveled back home from Georgia to respond to a major call in the area.
Serving as a member of the La Grange Town Council for the past twelve years, David was the town’s Mayor Pro Tempore. David always looked for ways to serve his community, whether on the town council, the fire department, assisting the sheriff’s office, or just helping his fellow man. David had a friendly word for everyone, and his personality made people consider him an instant friend.
No love was greater for David than that for his family. Each held a special place in his heart, and he made sure to be involved in their daily lives. His fire family came in a close second, always ready to tackle the flames with his brothers in uniform. David never turned away from an opportunity to help others. Regardless of the opportunity that arose, David always considered his home town in how he responded.
A service to honor David’s life will be held by the graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.
In addition to his mother, David is survived by his wife, Melba Lane Price Holmes; children, Tyler Holmes and Julie Holmes; step-children, Walt Chapman and Ben Murray; brother, Michael Holmes and wife, Rhonda; and nieces and nephews, Matthew Holmes, Brooke Holmes Gurganus (Hunter), Hope Taylor (Jimmy), and Ashley Whitfield.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, 6262 Washington Street, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
