Benjamin (Ben) Joseph Barnes' Obituary
Benjamin (Ben) Joseph Barnes, 87, of Memphis, TN, passed away on June 3, 2022.
Ben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Todd Barnes,his daughter, Amy Barnes Wright and her husband, Ronnie Wright; his son , Benjamin Todd Barnes, and his wife, Anne, and his granddaughter, Lily Barnes.
Mr. Barnes was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Barnes and Rosa Barbara Neukam Barnes, brothers, James Thomas Barnes and William Fletcher Barnes.
Although born in Jackson, TN, his parents moved to Memphis where he attended Humes High School, class of 1953, the same graduating class as Elvis Presley . Following graduation, Ben enrolled in Memphis State, now known as University of Memphis. His college education was interrupted when he was drafted by the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington, D.C. During this time, he returned to Memphis on a brief leave and he took the opportunity to propose to his best friend and sweetheart , Marilyn Todd. The two were wed in July 1955 and would be married 67 years on July 2nd.
Following his military service, the couple returned to Memphis long enough for Ben to complete his college education, and after graduating from MSU, he was offered a position with the American Red Cross. The Red Cross sent him to Augsburg Germany where the couple lived for the next 3 years, and were blessed with their first child, their daughter, Amy. The opportunity to live abroad in Germany and experience Europe inspired a life of travel within the USA, as well as many other countries.
After returning to the U.S., Ben was transferred to various cities along the Southern coast. He had a natural ability to bring people together to formulate a plan of action for whatever was needed. He loved the Red Cross, but eventually accepted a position as a pharmaceutical representative with ICI, which later became Astra Zeneca. This career change enabled him and his wife, Marilyn, to return to their hometown of Memphis, where they could be closer to their families. A few years later, their son, Todd, was born.
Through his work at Astra Zeneca, he made many friends throughout the region. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a kind soul, a good listener, and someone who brightened their day with his notable smile and a funny story.
In retirement, Ben generously dedicated his time and energies to the various organizations both he and Marilyn have been involved with, and was always quick to offer assistance to the many friends they made over the years. He will be missed.
A private memorial service will be held at the family’s columbarium site at Memorial Park Cemetery, and a celebration of Ben’s life is planned for a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, Christ Church Memphis, or a charity of one’s choice.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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