Benjamin E. Holmes, Sr

On Thursday, May 15, 2014, Benjamin E. "Bennie" Holmes, Sr., stepped off this mortal tread and then he stepped into eternity. Bennie was the sixth son, the eleventh child born to William A. and Beulah Mack Holmes. He was born on April 15, 1944 at 333 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina. At his birth an adventure began because he was an adventurer. At times shy but never timid, he was always brave and always bold. A private man, yet a man of the people.

A paperboy, a grocery boy, a life guard, a carpenter and finally a funeral director. As a youngster he traveled with his father whenever he could, from one funeral home to another, carrying the grip and caring for the dead. William Holmes was a trade embalmer, Bennie was his helper. Bennie was educated in the public schools of Charleston and North Charleston. Following graduation from Bonds-Wilson High School he attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science until his health prevented his continued matriculation.

Bennie spent the summers of his teenage years working as a lifeguard at the Herbert Hassell Swimming Pool. He and Tank (Nathaniel Nelson) were inseparable at home, at the pool, on the park, on the corner, everywhere. They both swam competitively. He played baseball but football was his real sport; he played at Burke High School, SC Area Trade School and at Bonds-Wilson High School. He coached many championship football teams on the Dorchester-Waylyn playground for many years and served as a member of the North Charleston Recreation Commission.

He was a licensed funeral director and the president of Suburban Funeral Home. During his many years in the funeral service profession he worked with many different funeral homes, most recently the Gethers Funeral Home of Moncks Corner, SC. He was known and loved by funeral home people all over the south. Bennie came very early to the funeral profession, with the death of his father in 1964; he was thrust into the family's business. He continued to work in every facet of the business until his health began to fail. Though semi-retired, he was still an early riser, a go-getter and a reliable asset to the funeral homes with which he was associated. Bennie was a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association and a former member of the South Carolina Morticians Association.

Family was so very important to Bennie. In 1966 he married his high school sweetheart, Bettie Keitt. A good woman is a great fine. A good, God fearing woman is a gift from God. Bennie and Bettie lived together, shared their lives and learned to cherish their time. They traveled, shopped; flea marketed and spoiled their grandchildren together. Bettie cared for Bennie until his last day on earth. Bettie is his blessing.

Bennie was the father of three children, Dexter, Benjamin "Buttons" and Ferrell. He was the "Daddy" and "Uncle" to an entire community. He contributed to his community not with a show. He supported many events; the most memorable is the Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt for all the children of the community, children of all ages, young and old. He was active in his community and served as a member of the Union Heights Community Council.

Bennie was baptized as an infant in St. Luke's Reformed Episcopal Church and at the time of his passing he was an active communicant of St. Luke's. Generous and supporting every church effort, he served his church wholeheartedly. Bennie was a great cook, he loved cooking and baking (his specialty was seafood salad). He was a member of the Kitchen Committee at St. Luke. His Christian affiliations also included St. Patrick's R. C. Church and New Bethel R. E. Church.

Uncle Bennie to his nieces and nephews he was a father figure to many of his family members. He was equally loved by in-laws and blood relatives. Uncle Bennie was so very special to the children of his family.

Pop-pop, perhaps his favorite name, he loved his grandchildren and they loved him. Love is the only way to describe the relationship between him and those boys, especially boy's night out. Bennie also enjoyed walking with his walking buddies: Jake, John, and Guy.

Alas, it's time to say farewell, farewell and good night, never goodbye, sleep on sweet prince we'll see you in the morning ... ..

Bettie, Dexter, Benjamin Jr, Ferrell; one grandson who preceded him in death, LaVar Holmes-Mack; Sergio, Zairae, Krystopher, Benjamin III, Carlin, Keon and Shanice, Shawneequa and Shante; Regenia, Angela and Thomas; Josie, Edith, Elizabeth, Olivia, Flossie, Percell, Sidney, Bobby, Melvin, and Great Grands Sergio, Jr, Kentrell, Shaquell, Leyona, Aubry and adoptive daughter/son: Shirley Felder and Jimmy King.

Nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, friends

VIEWING

Wednesday May 21, 2014, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at St. Luke’s Reformed Episcopal Church
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Viewing at the funeral home from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Thursday May 22, 2014, 11:00 AM at St. Mattews Baptist Church
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FINAL RESTING PLACE

Thursday May 22, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens