By John Hinton | Journal Reporter
Published: December 31, 2009
State Rep. George Holmes, who represented Yadkin and parts of other northwestern counties in the General Assembly for 32 years, died this morning at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Holmes, 80, announced in March 2008 that he would not run for re-election because of health problems. He said he planned to spend more time at his house in Hamptonville with his wife, Barbara, a retired schoolteacher.
David Diamont of Pilot Mountain, a former state representative from Surry County, served with Holmes in the state legislature. Diamont said he was saddened to hear of Holmes’ death.
“George Holmes was a good man,” Diamont said. “He became a powerful and well-respected member of our district in the General Assembly. He was a solid individual who always smiled. He knew the issues and he was a fine gentleman.”
Diamont laid the groundwork for a new arena at Appalachian State University, he said. But it was Holmes, when he became co-chairman of the appropriations committee, who got the money allocated for the project.
Later, ASU officials named the arena the George M. Holmes Convocation Center.
Holmes was first elected in 1974, and his only defeat came in 1976. He was elected again in 1987 and every two years after that. He ran unopposed in 2004 and 2006.
Posted by ncfifthdistrict 
YADKIN RIPPLE
