William Henry Benjamin

William Henry Benjamin, (also known as Ben) peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on November 29, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. A few days before Ben went to glory he told his family that he had a talk with God. William was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 10, 1932 to the late Henry and Daisy Benjamin. He was the last surging siblings of 4. His siblings, Henry Benjamin, Mary Murphy, and Betty Coleman preceded him in death.

In Ben's early years he grew up in the old Simpson UMC, where he sang in the youth choir. William graduated from Howard High School in 1951 and from there attended Delaware State College on a football scholarship. Ben loved football and was the star athlete of his high school. It was there where he met the love of his life, Selena, who was a cheerleader. William married the late Selena Elizabeth Benjamin on November 24, 1955. William and Selena were proud parents of Rev. Kevin William Benjamin (Jenneth). For over five years, William was cared for by his son Kevin and amazing daughter-in-law, Jenneth, who served as his full time caregivers. Jenneth went over and beyond to tend to her father in-laws concern and need. Ben was so appreciative. He loved Jenneth as a daughter and she loved him like a father. Ben was also a proud grandfather to Nickeya McCamie, Kevin Joshua William Benjamin, Kenneth William Benjamin, Jennifer Selena Benjamin, and Kyle William Benjamin. Ben was even more excited about his daughter-in-law's pregnancy and was filled with Joy when felt the baby kick in her tummy for the first time. William is survived by a host of nieces and nephews that refer to him at Uncle Ben and Uncle Bill. William was employed by the United States Post Office and later the Cola-Cola Bottling Company where he retired with over 25 years of service. Ben was a consistent worker and never missed a day at work. Ben was often seen driving his Diet Coke pick up Truck throughout DE and PA as he repaired and serviced soda machines. After retirement, William worked part-time as an attendant at First State Bowling Alley until the ripe age of 82. William loved First State Bowling Alley and was heartbroken when he learned of its closure. First State Bowling Alley was his second home. William and his late wife Selena won numerous trophies and awards as participants in various bowling leagues and tournaments. His many dedicated bowling alley friends, especially Leon Lambert and Archie Leatherberry, Rita Justice, Mike, Artie Nowlin, Lucille Lafate and Robin Ridgaway will forever miss him. During recent years, William faithfully attended Cornerstone United Methodist Church on profession of faith along with his family. He also attended St. Daniels United Methodist Church and Ebenezer United Methodist Church, where his son previously served as pastor. William was proud that his only son was also his pastor. Ben was an avid fan of the Eagles and the Phillies. His favorite snack was tasty cakes. Ben was a good stewart of his money and the idea of saving a dollar. His bowling alley friends loved teasing him and would often refer to him as being cheap. Considering that he worked a lot of years at Coca Cola, his friends would also tease him in fun when he bought a Pepsi product from the bowling alley vending machine.

Along with his siblings, William was preceded in death by his wife Selena, sister in law Margaret Vicks, and other relatives. The Benjamin family will be forever grateful to the St. Francis Homecare and the Christiana Care Visiting Doctors. Both organizations were a great support system and provided the professional care needed for Ben to remain at home with his family. Ben adored his grandchildren. They will truly miss their daily interactions and conversations with him. Ben was one of a kind and will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Ben leaves to cherish his memory his son Kevin, daugther-in law Jenneth; grandchildren: Nickeya, Kevin Jr., Kenneth, Jennifer, and Kyle, a god daughter Michelle Warren, two brother in laws William Edward Jackson, and Cleo Vick's, cousin Mary Lucy Hamilton, and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. We thank also thank God for Eva Pinkney, Josefa Burgos, Selena Redden, Valerie Redden, Nickeya Mc Camie, and the late Joy Burke for assisting us with caregiving when we had to take him out of the home. We are also appreciative to Leon Ervin Lambert, Kenya Andrews, Joan, and Julius Allen for being an active presence, along with us.