Benjamin Cummings' Obituary
Benjamin Franklin Cummings, age 91, went to heaven on March 1, 2018. Ben was born in Monroeville, Alabama on February 3, 1927. At an early age, he moved with his family to the Sapps Community, near Carrollton, Alabama, where he grew up and lived until he moved to Memphis in 1950. He was preceded in death by his son, Dan Speed Cummings; parents, Benjamin F. and Lily Mae Cummings; two brothers, James A. and Marlin O. Cummings; and sister, Norma Jean Richardson. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty; son, David Bruce; and three grandchildren, Benjamin Keaton, Danielle Grace, and Madeline Alyse Cummings, who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by five brothers, Albert Olin, Richard A., Thomas H. (Naomi), Jerry, and Ronald A. (Laurie); three sisters, Margaret O. Barnes, Mary J. Trapp, and Linda J. Blakney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, and great-nephews. Ben was proud of his service and felt blessed to have had the privilege to serve two years in the U.S. Navy near the end of World War II. He was with the American fleet in Honshu Bay at the signing of the peace treaty. Ben attended Hemphill Diesel School after moving to Memphis and was later employed by Buckeye Cellulose Co., a subsidiary of Proctor and Gamble for 28 years. He retired in 1982 and operated his own company until full retirement in 1992. He and Betty joined Park Ave-Audubon Park Baptist Church on the first Sunday of January 1954, and there served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, baseball coach, and on various committees for 60 years. Ben loved his church and his church family. After retirement and, as long as his health permitted, he could be found most days at the church taking care of small repairs, checking heating and air and other tasks to keep the building in good repair. Ben was a good man who lived a long and honorable life. He was credit to his God, his parents, and his family. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon and funeral services will follow at 1 PM, Saturday, March 3 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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