The Heartbreaking Struggles of Ben Napier from *Home Town*

Ben Napier, known for his warm smile and craftsmanship on HGTV’s *Home Town*, was never meant for fame. Raised as a preacher’s son in Collins, Mississippi, with a hammer and a dream, Ben’s journey from youth minister to television star hid personal battles that nearly shattered everything. Behind the picture-perfect homes, a heartbreaking truth emerged when the cameras stopped rolling.

Born into a family anchored in Christian values, Ben’s father, a United Methodist minister, shaped his worldview. Initially following in his father’s footsteps as a youth minister, Ben’s path shifted due to a passion for woodworking, nurtured by his dad who gifted him his first tools. At the University of Mississippi, studying history deepened his love for preserving the past, a theme that would define his career. It was there he met Erin, his future wife and collaborator.

Their bond, formed at Jones County Junior College, led to marriage in 2008 and a shared mission to revitalize Laurel, Mississippi. Their Instagram posts of home renovations caught HGTV’s eye, leading to *Home Town*’s premiere in 2016, a show that became a cultural reset with its focus on authenticity and community.

However, behind the success, Ben faced significant health challenges. In 2023, fans noticed his absence from episodes, later revealed to be due to rotator cuff surgery for long-standing shoulder pain. The procedure, involving cartilage trimming and bone spur removal, was successful but recovery was grueling.

Ben, reliant on physical labor, struggled with being sidelined, delegating tasks, and enduring pain with even small movements. Further complicating matters, in 2025, chronic ankle pain from an old basketball injury required stemwave therapy, reducing severe discomfort but leaving the possibility of future ankle replacement.

Concerned about his weight and blood pressure, Ben embarked on a transformative journey, losing nearly 100 pounds over three years through intermittent fasting, light cardio, yoga, and dietary changes, supported by Erin.

These health crises tested Ben’s resilience, forcing him to reassess his role on the show and prioritize well-being. Erin shared the emotional toll, fearing for Ben during recovery, while Ben admitted to an identity shift with physical limitations.

Their transparency humanized them, inspiring fans facing similar struggles. Beyond health, Ben and Erin guard their personal life, keeping their daughters, Helen (born 2018) and Mae (born 2021), off social media to protect their privacy, emphasizing family rituals over public validation.

Ben’s story transcends home restoration; it’s about rebuilding oneself. From a preacher’s son to a national craftsman, his legacy with Erin includes the Aaron and Ben Napier School of Design and Building Arts at Jones College, reflecting their commitment to community and craftsmanship. Despite fame, they remain grounded in Laurel, proving that true strength lies in resilience, family, and purpose.