Benjamin H. Harris Sr., 94, of Wicomico, left his earthly home and departed to his last duty station his Eternal Heavenly home, on Sunday, March 16, 2014, surrounded by his adoring family.

Ben was born in Gloucester, Va., on Jan. 25, 1920 to the late John (Jack) William Harris and Grace Elizabeth Hogge Booker Harris. He married the late Ruby Vernelle Marshall in March 1940, and was a member of Providence Baptist Church.

Serving in WWII, he was a decorated veteran serving his country in Europe as a combat infantryman with Company M, 22nd Infantry, 4th Division, U.S. Army. Among his medals and awards, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge with Cluster, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. and American Campaign Medal.

Ben retired from the Naval Weapons Station as an auto mechanic and inspector. At one period in his life, he used his talents as an auto mechanic making sure the church bus was running smoothly and in fine operating shape. In addition, he drove the bus to pick up members who otherwise would not have gotten to church. 

Leaving behind to cherish his memories are his two sons, Benjamin H. Harris Jr. (Margaret) and Ronald S. Harris (Mary); a grandson, Matthew Wade Harris; great-grandson, Nicholas Thomas Wade Harris; a sister, Nora Thompson, and brother, Robert (Bobby); in addition, a host of nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruby Vernelle Marshall, and a son, Richard Hamilton Harris. Predeceased members of his family include brothers and sisters, Herman, Willard, Erby, Rudolph, Virginia Miffleton and Clifford; half brothers and sisters, Earnest, Mary, Maggie, Franklin, Bettye and Ella.  

The family received friends on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Services in celebration of his life conducted by the Rev. Dr. Richard Croxton will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Hogg Funeral Home, followed by burial in Rosewell Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors.

In Ben’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Men’s Bible Class, Providence Baptist Church, 3501 Providence Road, Hayes, Va. 23072.