Celebrating the life of
Ben Frank Brian, Jr.
January 24, 1929 - May 19, 2015
Ben Frank Brian Jr. of The Landings, Savannah, Georgia, passed away on May 19, 2015. Ben was born in Springfield, Ohio on January 24, 1929, the son of Ben Frank and Charlotte Walker Brian, and spent the majority of his youth in Louisiana. He was an Eagle Scout and All-State football player at Eunice High School. He continued his football career at Southwest Louisiana and then for the United States Military Academy under legendary coaches Earl (Red) Blaik and Vince Lombardi. Ben received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honoraries and Kappa Alpha Order social fraternity.
Ben joined DuPont after graduation from Georgia Tech and retired in 1991 after 38 years of service, two of which were on leave as a commissioned officer in the U.S.A.F. His work experience was in engineering, production supervision and human resource management at one international and six domestic locations. In these communities, Ben served as District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts, was on the Board of Directors of the YMCA and United Way, and was President of two neighborhood associations. He was active in church work, a member of the Kiwanis, and a Director and Vice President of Rotary International.
While recovering from an emergency appendectomy at Atlanta’s Crawford Long Hospital, he met the love of his life (she wasn’t so sure at the time), Betty Lee Whelchel of Thomasville, Georgia. Six short months later they were married by Dr. Charles L. Allen at Grace United Methodist Church and then spent 61 wonderful years together. Ben and Betty have three children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter: Debbie Browning and her husband John, grandchildren Brian and Brittany Browning (great granddaughter Bay) , Jenna and Patrick Mays, and Scott and Kristen Browning; Cheryl Brian and grandchild Matthew; Ben Brian III and his wife Gail, grandchildren Ben IV, Jackson, and Adalyn. He leaves an expansive group of friends who will also miss his graciousness, generosity, caring spirit and love for life.
A resident of Savannah and The Landings for 23 years, Ben served the community in various ways culminating as The Landings Association President. Ben loved his second family, the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church which is ministered by his good friend Reverend Jim Giddens, and where Ben was active on many committees. Ben was a proud member of the Georgia Tech Club of Savannah.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Georgia 31411 or Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416.
Dear Betty and family, We were saddened to hear of Gentle Ben's passing. May God touch you with his grace and mercy and give you strength. Our Love, His Peace, Jean and Bob
- Bob and Jean Yeager Morgan, Willow Street, PA
I was sorry to hear of Ben's death. He was a good friend ans near-neighbor in both Circleville and Wilmington. My deepest sympathy to the family
- Burt Kirkman, Willow Street, PA
Dear Betty, We still remember all the wonderful times we had together too long ago and will greatly miss Ben. He was such an exemplary person in so many ways! Our prayers, thoughts and warmest best wishes to you and your family at this very difficult time.
- Art & Jackie Holveck, West Chester, PA
Dear Betty and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ben was such a wonderful and special person and I really enjoyed knowing him and all of your families over the years at our family reunions and other ocassions. God bless and take care. Marjory Everett
- Marjory Everett, Acworth, GA
Dear Betty and Family, Clarence and I send our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of Ben. He was a wonderful person and loved his family and extended family. We enjoyed seeing and talking with him at the Reunions. He will be greatly missed by all. We send you our prayers during this difficult time. Love, Polly and Clarence
- Polly and Clarence Clodfelter, Newport News, VA
Dear Betty and Family,
- Polly and Clarence Clodfelter, Newport News, VA
Ben and his family left their mark on our community in the most positive way. A good friend, citizen, and family man he was an example of the fine young men that came to our town with the duPont company in the 1950's. Marilyn and I send our condolences to Betty and the family.
- Bob & Marilyn Johnson and Family, Circleville, OH
Ben and his family left their mark on our community in the most positive way. A good friend, citizen, and family man he was an example of the fine young men that came to our town with the duPont company in the 1950's. Marilyn and I send our condolences to Betty and the family.
- Bob & Marilyn Johnson and Family, Circleville, OH
Carolyn and I were so sorry to hear about Ben’s death. He was wonderful husband, father, carrying Christian, and a warm personal friend. We’re never prepared for these personal loses, but your faith and 61 years of memories will sustain you and your wonderful family in this time of sorrow. You have our condolences and prayers. .
- Don Senich and Carolyn Smith, Springfield, VA
Cheryl & Matthew, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers during this difficult time. May God keep each one of you respectfully. And know the entire family will take care of Moma. Be encourage and may God give you perfect peace. Best Regards, Chloe Myers Backman MUSC- Occupational Safety and Health Programs
- Chloe Myers Backman, James Island, SC
Cheryl & Matthew, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers during this difficult time. May God keep each one of you respectfully. And know the entire family will take care of Moma. Be encourage and may God give you perfect peace. Best Regards, Chloe Myers Backman MUSC- Occupational Safety and Health Programs
- Chloe Myers Backman, James Island, SC
Betty, Rosemary and I were so sorry to hear of Ben's passing from Sib, your good friend. I am proud to be able to call him Brother as a friend and as a fellow KA. He certainly had a full productive life and left this world a better place than it was in 1929 when we both were born. Ben was one of the original Good Guys. God Bless, Lane and Rosemary
- Lane Middleton, Radford, VA
Dear Betty and family, Ben was certainly a giving person to you, the church and community. I believe he and Charley are enjoying being together again. We've lost wonderful husbands but they both lived full and happy lives. God Bless. In sympathy, Sibyl
- Plumly, Sandy Springs, Ga
My deepest sympathy on Ben's passing. He was a special person. He was kind, caring, and a good friend. God bless Ben and his family.
- Bob krinsky, Wilmington, De
Beyond being a team mate, Ben was a wonderful friend over the past sixty five years and he will be missed. My sympathy to Betty and his family.
- Alice and Gene Gribble, Orlando, FL, FL
So sorry to hear this news. Jack and I always enjoyed our visits with Ben, Betty, and family at the reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and family. He was such an inspiration and example to all of us. May the Lord sustain you through your faith, family, friends and wonderful memories. Love, Mary and Jack Todd
- Mary Whelchel Pierce Todd, Dyersburg, TN
We were so sorry to hear this news. Your Dad was such a wonderful person and I certainly enjoyed the Myrtle Beach November times! Please know you all are in our prayers!
- Debbie Estes Dunkle, Circleville, OH
I am sad for us but relieved for Ben. He was truly one of the nicest, most caring men I have ever known. He was truly one of God's good people. love Nancy and Carlton
- Sheets Nancy, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear this news. Ben was a wonderful part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy, Jane and Mark Butterworth
- Jane and Mark Butterworth, Greensboro, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a beautiful testimony to a rich and full life. Our sincere sympathies, David, Gigi, Jordan, Mary Gates & Callie Pierce
- David & Gigi Pierce & family, Durham , NC
Cheryl and Matt, I am so saddened at the loss of your sweet father. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love, Becky
- Becky Bowman, Mount Pleasant, SC
Debbie and John and family, sending love and prayers. May God give your family peace. Love The Immels
- Immel Family, Kingwood , Texas
To Debbie & family, and your beautiful Mom - I had so much admiration for your parents! They always were joyful, seemed happy and so full of life! I am so saddened for your loss! My love and prayers are with you all! Malinn Saxe
- Malinn Saxe, Kingwood, TX
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man!
- Margaret Brennan, Cottageville, SC
Dear Betty and family, We were saddened to hear of Gentle Ben's passing. May God touch you with his grace and mercy and give you strength. Our Love, His Peace, Jean and Bob
- Bob and Jean Yeager Morgan, Willow Street, PA
I was sorry to hear of Ben's death. He was a good friend ans near-neighbor in both Circleville and Wilmington. My deepest sympathy to the family
- Burt Kirkman, Willow Street, PA
Dear Betty, We still remember all the wonderful times we had together too long ago and will greatly miss Ben. He was such an exemplary person in so many ways! Our prayers, thoughts and warmest best wishes to you and your family at this very difficult time.
- Art & Jackie Holveck, West Chester, PA
Dear Betty and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ben was such a wonderful and special person and I really enjoyed knowing him and all of your families over the years at our family reunions and other ocassions. God bless and take care. Marjory Everett
- Marjory Everett, Acworth, GA
Dear Betty and Family, Clarence and I send our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of Ben. He was a wonderful person and loved his family and extended family. We enjoyed seeing and talking with him at the Reunions. He will be greatly missed by all. We send you our prayers during this difficult time. Love, Polly and Clarence
- Polly and Clarence Clodfelter, Newport News, VA
Dear Betty and Family,
- Polly and Clarence Clodfelter, Newport News, VA
Ben and his family left their mark on our community in the most positive way. A good friend, citizen, and family man he was an example of the fine young men that came to our town with the duPont company in the 1950's. Marilyn and I send our condolences to Betty and the family.
- Bob & Marilyn Johnson and Family, Circleville, OH
Ben and his family left their mark on our community in the most positive way. A good friend, citizen, and family man he was an example of the fine young men that came to our town with the duPont company in the 1950's. Marilyn and I send our condolences to Betty and the family.
- Bob & Marilyn Johnson and Family, Circleville, OH
Carolyn and I were so sorry to hear about Ben’s death. He was wonderful husband, father, carrying Christian, and a warm personal friend. We’re never prepared for these personal loses, but your faith and 61 years of memories will sustain you and your wonderful family in this time of sorrow. You have our condolences and prayers. .
- Don Senich and Carolyn Smith, Springfield, VA
Cheryl & Matthew, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers during this difficult time. May God keep each one of you respectfully. And know the entire family will take care of Moma. Be encourage and may God give you perfect peace. Best Regards, Chloe Myers Backman MUSC- Occupational Safety and Health Programs
- Chloe Myers Backman, James Island, SC
Cheryl & Matthew, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers during this difficult time. May God keep each one of you respectfully. And know the entire family will take care of Moma. Be encourage and may God give you perfect peace. Best Regards, Chloe Myers Backman MUSC- Occupational Safety and Health Programs
- Chloe Myers Backman, James Island, SC
Betty, Rosemary and I were so sorry to hear of Ben's passing from Sib, your good friend. I am proud to be able to call him Brother as a friend and as a fellow KA. He certainly had a full productive life and left this world a better place than it was in 1929 when we both were born. Ben was one of the original Good Guys. God Bless, Lane and Rosemary
- Lane Middleton, Radford, VA
Dear Betty and family, Ben was certainly a giving person to you, the church and community. I believe he and Charley are enjoying being together again. We've lost wonderful husbands but they both lived full and happy lives. God Bless. In sympathy, Sibyl
- Plumly, Sandy Springs, Ga
My deepest sympathy on Ben's passing. He was a special person. He was kind, caring, and a good friend. God bless Ben and his family.
- Bob krinsky, Wilmington, De
Beyond being a team mate, Ben was a wonderful friend over the past sixty five years and he will be missed. My sympathy to Betty and his family.
- Alice and Gene Gribble, Orlando, FL, FL
So sorry to hear this news. Jack and I always enjoyed our visits with Ben, Betty, and family at the reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and family. He was such an inspiration and example to all of us. May the Lord sustain you through your faith, family, friends and wonderful memories. Love, Mary and Jack Todd
- Mary Whelchel Pierce Todd, Dyersburg, TN
We were so sorry to hear this news. Your Dad was such a wonderful person and I certainly enjoyed the Myrtle Beach November times! Please know you all are in our prayers!
- Debbie Estes Dunkle, Circleville, OH
I am sad for us but relieved for Ben. He was truly one of the nicest, most caring men I have ever known. He was truly one of God's good people. love Nancy and Carlton
- Sheets Nancy, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear this news. Ben was a wonderful part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sincere sympathy, Jane and Mark Butterworth
- Jane and Mark Butterworth, Greensboro, NC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a beautiful testimony to a rich and full life. Our sincere sympathies, David, Gigi, Jordan, Mary Gates & Callie Pierce
- David & Gigi Pierce & family, Durham , NC
Cheryl and Matt, I am so saddened at the loss of your sweet father. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love, Becky
- Becky Bowman, Mount Pleasant, SC
Debbie and John and family, sending love and prayers. May God give your family peace. Love The Immels
- Immel Family, Kingwood , Texas
To Debbie & family, and your beautiful Mom - I had so much admiration for your parents! They always were joyful, seemed happy and so full of life! I am so saddened for your loss! My love and prayers are with you all! Malinn Saxe
- Malinn Saxe, Kingwood, TX
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man!
- Margaret Brennan, Cottageville, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
