He was the son of David L. Holmes, a university coach and director of athletics revered by his athletes. He was married to Carolyn Coggin Holmes, executive director of James Monroe's Highland from 1975 to 2012.
David L. Holmes' son was the child of a renowned university coach and athletics administrator admired by his players. His wife, Carolyn Coggin Holmes, served as the executive director of James Monroe's Highland from 1975 to 2012.