Bennett Charles “Ben” Holmes, 44, of Elkton, MD passed away at his home on April 26, 2026. He was born on June 25, 1981. Ben spent his life surrounded by the people he loved most and leaves behind a presence that will never be replaced.
Ben was truly one of a kind. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome without even trying. His sense of humor was unforgettable, and he could say something so simple at just the right moment that the whole room would be laughing. Being around him just felt easy. To know Ben was to love him, and he made sure the people in his life never had to wonder how much they meant to him.
He loved music, especially hard rock and heavy metal, and found so much joy in building and playing electric guitars. Music was a part of who he was. He also had a naturally curious mind and loved to tinker. Ben was a stargazer who loved outer space and was an avid Baltimore Ravens fan. Ben could fix almost anything, and if he did not know how at first, he would figure it out. He was always willing to help and never hesitated to show up for others. He worked hard, cared deeply, and was someone people could always count on.
What mattered most to Ben was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Annie, as well as with his family and friends. Affectionately named “Uncle Benny,” he shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews Georgia, Dylan, Caleb, Julian, Jack, John, and Luke. That role meant a lot to him, and it showed in the way he loved them.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his parents, Russell and Donna Holmes; his siblings Monica (Dwayne), Katie (Mike), Linsay (Branden), Mary (Buddy), Jimmy (Sydney), and Lacy; his in-laws Dane and Kathy Shrewsbury; his devoted aunt Nanster; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis Reynolds and his grandparents Don and Faith Archer and Irvin and Catherine Holmes.
Ben leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories that will stay with everyone who knew him. He made life brighter just by being in it, and he will be deeply missed every day.
A service to honor Ben’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home in Elkton – 259 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:30 AM for the visitation. Interment will be in North East Methodist Cemetery. In honor of Ben, please wear your favorite band t-shirt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johns Hopkins Ronald McDonald House.