Benjamin “Ben” Hill Flournoy, 79, of Tifton passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021, at his residence. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mr. Flournoy at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. The Rev. Flaviu Ferche and the Rev. Michael Marchant will officiate. Covid-19 guidelines will be observed at the graveside funeral service.
Bobby Payne, Brian Holyfield, Clifford Curry, James Arthur Cheek, Don Copeland and Tim Barber will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. and Mrs. Ken Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Chappie Tift, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Newell, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Greene, Mr. and Mrs. Kent Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Kent Culver, Mr. Coy Tawzer and Dr. Dan Gorman.
Born March 25, 1941 in Baker County, Mr. Flournoy was the son of the late Benjamin James Flournoy and Thelma Louise Beauchamp Flournoy. He was also preceded in death by one brother, John Flournoy; and two sisters, Stella Cheek and Mary Dalton. Before retiring, he worked for Pioneer Seed Company for over 50 years. He was a member of Elmodel Presbyterian Church and attended New River Baptist Church. He also served in the United States Air Force.
Mr. Flournoy always had words of humor, encouragement or wisdom for everyone he met. He woke up each morning with a happy song in his heart, which he continued to sing throughout the day. He will be remembered for his deep love and great joy that he freely bestowed on his family and friends.
Mr. Flournoy is survived by his wife, Linda Carol Edelen Flournoy of Tifton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Brian Marchant of Tifton and Georgia and the Rev. Flaviu Ferche of Locust Grove; one brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Judy Flournoy of Camilla; one sister, Leila Gregoire of Jacksonville, Florida; and three grandchildren, Felix Ferche, John David Marchant and James Benjamin Marchant.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tift Area, 619 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794; or New River Baptist Church, 17 Old Brookfield Road East, Tifton, GA 31794.