Ronald M. Holmes, affectionately known as "Ronnie" or "Ron" by family and friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 73 on December 28, 2024, at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Annandale, Virginia.

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Ron was the beloved son of the late William S. Holmes Sr. and the late Elizabeth A. (Rice) Holmes. He spent his early years on the North End of Weirton, West Virginia, before moving to Steubenville during his teenage years. A proud graduate of Steubenville "Big Red" High School, Ron embarked on a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Army shortly after graduation, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) with MOS 75Z40 (42A). Following his military service, he continued his dedication to public service as a security sergeant with Wackenhut Security, a national firm providing government security personnel.

Ron was a devoted family man, known for his warmth, humor, and love for storytelling. He found joy in sharing stories from his military career and his childhood, leaving a lasting impression on all who met him.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his daughter Ronelle M. Holmes; his son Jeffrey Davis; his sister Kimberly I. Holmes; his maternal grandparents Aaron Rice Sr., Irene (Dawkins) Rice-Kimber, and Ausie "Toby" Kimber; his paternal grandparents William R. Holmes and Margaret E. (Berryman) Holmes; his mother-in-law Marion Ross; and his "sister by another mother," Jacquetta (Johnson) Jackson.

Ron leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Phyllis (Thompson) Holmes, of Lorton, Virginia; his children: Ronald M. "Matt" (Adina) Holmes, William E.B. Holmes, Kira L. Holmes, Marcedus (Robert) Long, Ronda Holmes, and Elise L. (Daryl) Holmes-Kinney; his brothers William S. Jr. (Minnie) Holmes of Kokomo, Indiana, Jeffrey S. Holmes of Steubenville, Ohio, and Pamela Franklin; his in-law siblings Deborah Johnson, Drema Johnson, and Bryain Thompson, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his lifelong friend DeAndre "Champ" Harper of Mingo Junction, Ohio, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss him.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Gregory-Martin Funeral Chapel, 255 S. 7th Street, Steubenville, Ohio. Words of comfort will be shared at Union Cemetery Chapel in Steubenville on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial.

Ron's life of service, love, and dedication to family and friends will forever inspire all who knew him. Rest in peace, Ron, as your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you touched.