Gerald Amon Holmes Sr.

Gerald Amon Holmes, Sr. passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He was born on August 21, 1958 in Washington, DC to the late William Holmes and Carolissa M. Bowie. He moved to Wilmington, Delaware and was raised by his parents Samuel & Evelyn Harris and Almon Adams.

He completed his early education in the Wilmington Public School system and graduated from Delcastle Technical High School in 1977. While at Delcastle, he went on to become a state wrestling champion and was one of the first African American students to attend the school as a result of integration.

After high school, he went on to start his career with the State of Delaware as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Shortly after in the early 1980s, while employed at Autoport Incorporated, he developed a passion for all things car related. Gerald then established High Energy Production (including Dancing and Elite Security).

Furthermore, in the early 1980s, Gerald founded his landmark business: Touch of Class. This business became the hallmark for black-owned, custom design car ventures, which is still in business to this day. Touch of Class is a staple in the community and is cherished by so many, particularly those who want their cars to shine! If you didn't have an appointment to get your car detailed, you were out of luck on Saturdays with cars lined up for the shop's services all day long; but no matter what, Gerald would typically find a way to fit you in. Through this business, Gerald provided opportunities to young men in the surrounding community by giving them an outlet to work, earn some money, and stay away from the lure of the streets. Touch of Class has been recognized by the City of Wilmington for its impact on the local community.

In 2005, Gerald founded High Energy Praise Productions which lent itself to the use of gospel music to spread the ‘Good News' throughout the community and beyond. He was also prominent in the security detail business which included working with celebrities and had ties to events throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.


Gerald was passionate about the Church and was known for his leadership within the local community given his ability to provide conflict resolution when the need arose.

He was known by a multitude of nicknames, including, but not limited to, "Pimpin", "Unc", "Pops", "Brother", "Beans" and the very popular, "Bonehead". Gerald lived every day as if it was his last and was known for his incredibly good looks. He enjoyed live entertainment, including concerts and especially Medieval Times. He was a fashion aficionado and rarely wore the same thing twice. He was fond of shopping, flea markets, and movies from the 1970s. Gerald was known to carry his favorite foods, namely, Twizzlers, Utz and Lays Potato Chips, and Coke and Pepsi soda for his snack attacks and most importantly… Halls Cough Drops! For holidays and random cravings, he enjoyed Coconut & Louisiana Crumb Cakes, Ribs, Potato Salad and Cornbread.

Gerald loved spending time with his kids, both by birth and "adoption" and his grandkids. He considered their accomplishments to be a source of pride and was known to brag about his children at anytime.

The community has lost one of its Champions. Gerald, you will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by:
His parents William Holmes, Carolissa M. Bowie, Samuel Harris, and Evelyn Harris; his sister Mary Holmes; his twin sons Gerald and Almon and his beloved dog Frankie.

He is survived by:
His siblings: Pastor Williams Holmes IV (Margaret), Anthony "Tony" Holmes, Sr. (Debbie) and Karen Glymph.

His children: Gerald Wilmore (Ebony), Geralyn Holmes (Thomas McCray III), Ne'cole Williams (Donte), Rashawna Ferreira, Evelyn Ngobeh (Gbaissay, Sr), Clarence Banks (Kivonnah Patterson), Gerald Holmes, Jr. (Kristel Buschan), Giana Holmes (Marvell Watts), Sherrill Woodruff, Nikki Woodruff, Jenika Walker, Jay "Baby J" Robertson and Ron Dodson.

His grandchildren: Jaisan & Jaidan Wilmore, Danajza Wilmore, Daniel (great-grandson), Donte Williams Jr., Daylynn Williams, Dominic Williams, Halle Morris, Thomas "TJ" McCrae IV, Larra, Amon, BJ, Dejah, Sanyah Ngobeh, Myla Watts, Aria Banks and Ariella Ferreira.

A loving host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family appreciates the incredible show of support, outreach and acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.

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Public Viewing


AUG 13. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

New Destiny Fellowship
906 East 16th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Celebration of Life


AUG 13. 12:00 PM (ET)

New Destiny Fellowship
906 East 16th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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