William Benjamin Leigh, born on September 11, 1938, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 5:55 a.m. He was born in Dutton, Virginia, to William and Frances Leigh. He was a 1956 graduate of Mathews High School and was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company for 38 years.

Upon retirement he worked for the Mathews County School System for a number of years. Outside of work he was active in the Mathews Volunteer Fire Dept. for several years and was also County Chief for several years. He was a dedicated member of Central United Methodist Church in Mathews. Ben enjoyed woodworking, working in his yard, helping others and, most importantly, spending time with his family, which he cherished.

Ben died of mesothelioma after 28 months of hospice care in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Leigh, and his sisters, Elizabeth Hayes and Mary Douglas Miller.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy of 66 years; daughter, Regina Buzard and her husband Max of Sutherlin, Virginia; his son, Ralph Leigh and his wife Janet of Montross, Virginia; grandsons, Brandon Walden and his wife Crystal and Benjamin Buzard, and great-granddaughter, Juliana Buzard. He is also survived by his brothers, Ellis Leigh and Leon Leigh, and many nieces and nephews that are very special to him. He had many friends whom he counted among his richest blessings, and he was a friend to all who passed his way.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Central United Methodist Church, Mathews, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10-11 at the church prior to the service.

The family asks that remembrances and donations be made to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 297, Mathews, Va. 23109 or the Mathews Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109.

We, the family, would like to thank everyone for all the many acts of kindness shown to us during these many months of his illness. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice.

Now he is not hurting, he can breathe, he is not confused, and we are thankful. May God bless each of you as you continue to bless others.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.