Scott Harris Holmes

 Scotty Holmes, 57, of Vienna, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025.

Scotty leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of love, generosity, laughter, and unforgettable presence. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the way he made people feel—seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.

Scotty attended Robinson Secondary School in Northern Virginia, where he first discovered wrestling, a sport that became important to him and stayed with him through college. His father never missed a single match, a devotion that meant the world to Scotty and remained a point of pride throughout his life.

A graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Scotty was affectionately known as “Surge,” a nickname given to him by his beloved Sigma Pi fraternity brothers. Wherever Scotty went, the energy shifted—his arrival marked the moment when the party truly got started. If you met him even once, you remembered him forever.

Scotty had a rare gift: when he spoke to you, you felt like you were the only person in the room. He listened fully, spoke sincerely, and gave freely—whether that meant his time, his advice, or even the jacket off his back on a freezing night. His smile could light up a room instantly, and his warmth stayed with you long after the conversation ended.

Scotty built a successful career in information technology, specializing in security solutions for the United States federal government. He approached his work with passion, integrity, and deep pride, taking great satisfaction in supporting the agencies that protect our nation.

Holidays were deeply important to Scotty, and he took great joy in celebrating the traditions that brought people together. Halloween was one of his favorites, and each year he transformed the family home into a full-blown haunted house, delighting neighbors and friends alike and earning him the affectionate title of the male Martha Stewart. Christmas was equally special to Scotty, and he turned the house—inside and out—into a true winter wonderland, filling it with lights, decorations, and warmth. The Fourth of July also held a special place in his heart. A true patriot who loved his country, Scotty was known for hosting unforgettable backyard celebrations, including the legendary annual “Splash Bash,” complete with a massive water slide, a DJ who amped up the party, laughter, and nonstop fun. For years, Splash Bash became a beloved end-of-summer tradition for Ava and her friends, with Scotty running around making sure everyone was happy, the slide was working, and the party was perfect.

Scotty is survived by his wife of nearly three decades, Cheryl, whom he met while they were both attending James Madison University. Their love story continued in Massachusetts, where they built their early life together and where Scotty proposed. From there, they returned to Virginia to put down roots, build their home, and create the family they had always dreamed of.

To Cheryl, Scotty was her person—the one she turned to for everything. She adored him deeply and found endless joy in watching him flourish in every part of his life: in his career, in his friendships, and most of all in the devoted father he was to Ava. Scotty’s love, kindness, and steady presence brought happiness and laughter into their home, and his absence leaves an immeasurable space in her heart.

Together, Scotty and Cheryl raised their daughter, Ava, who quickly became the apple of Scotty’s bright blue eyes—eyes she proudly inherited. Scotty took immense pride in watching Ava thrive, whether cheering her on as she performed competitive hip-hop and contemporary dance solos or watching her excel in equestrian riding as a skilled and confident jumper. He admired her dedication, talent, and heart, and he was endlessly proud of the young woman she is becoming.

Scotty was a true animal lover who found great joy in the companionship of his pets. He especially adored his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Timber, who quite possibly logged more walks than any dog in the world. Scotty loved the Outer Banks, and Timber—an avid swimmer—was always by his side, whether splashing in the ocean or enjoying time together in the pool.

Music was another great passion in Scotty’s life. He dreamed of being a drummer, often joking that he lacked the rhythm or beat to pull it off—but that never dampened his love for music. Scotty would never turn down an opportunity to go to a concert and lived for the experience of live music, attending as many shows as he possibly could.

Sports were also a lifelong passion for Scotty. He loved all sports—if it was being played, he was watching it. Scotty had an encyclopedic knowledge of athletes, rankings, statistics, and records, and he especially loved watching the Olympics, following competitors and events with remarkable detail and enthusiasm. A devoted football fan, his loyalty always belonged to the Washington Redskins, a team he followed with unwavering dedication.

Scotty is also survived by his sister, Kelley, a gifted artist who spent much of her childhood tagging along to his wrestling matches—memories the two often laughed about—and whose creativity Scotty deeply admired.

Scotty is also survived by his mother-in-law, Nancy Freeman, father-in-law, David Freeman, brothers-in-law, David Earp, John Stell, Lyndsay Saffer, and Tim Peel, and his sisters-in-law, Gigi Peel, Lizzy Stell, and Nancy Saffer. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: David Saffer, Stephanie Saffer, Christopher Saffer, Ally Saffer, Avery Stell, Madison Stell, Robert Earp, Jennifer Hart, and Timothy Peel.

Scotty was predeceased by his mother, Patty, who was known for her fantastic baking and the love she poured into her family, and by his father, Gus, who proudly served as a member of the United States Secret Service and devoted his life to protecting others.

A memorial service honoring Scotty’s life will be held at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna on Sunday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Westwood Country Club, also in Vienna.

Scotty Holmes will be missed beyond words—but his laughter, kindness, loyalty, and unforgettable presence will live on in every life he touched.