James Bennett "Ben" Driskill

James Bennett “Ben” Driskill passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the age of 87, at Guggenheimer Health and Rehab Center.  

Ben was born on May 6, 1936, to the late Wesley Clarence “T” Driskill & Eula May Carwile Driskill.  He was married for 64 years to Sarah Trent Driskill, who survives.  He is survived by daughters, Janet Driskill Littlehales and husband Ed, and Karen Driskill Albert and husband William.  Grandchildren, Logan MacKinsie Byers (Devon Brodkin) and Hunter Bennett Byers (Hannah Rogan).  A great-grandchild is due in January 2024.

He is also survived by a brother, A. Wayne Driskill (Carol), sisters-in-law, Janice B.  Driskill, Laura T. Roberts (Gerald), Emmogene T. Trent and brother-in-law, Samuel D. Trent (Bobbie).  And a host of nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own.

He was preceded in death by six sisters, Mildred D. Pack (H.E.), Eula May Driskill, Nellie D. Maxey (Robert), Dorothy D. Davis (Wayland), Louise D.  Williams (Jack), infant sister, Barbara Ann Driskill, a brother, W. Edward “Ed” Driskill, brother-in-law G. Edward Trent, mother and father-in-law, Garland H. and Nancy H. Trent, nephews, Patrick W. Driskill, Garland E. Trent, Jr., Brian H. Trent and great-nephew, Lucas J. Pack.

Ben served our Country in the U. S. Army from December 1956 to December 1958, stationed in Bamberg, Germany.  He retired from Delta Star (H. K. Porter) after 41 years as the Purchasing Manager.  He owned Driskill’s Christmas Tree Farm for many years. 

He was a former member of Mt Zion UMC, where he held many positions over the years, including, Board Chairman, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and Youth Leader.  For the last few years, he was a member of New Bethel Church Gladys.

A special thanks to Centra Home Health who cared for Daddy over the last two months prior to going to the hospital.  Also, to Guggenheimer for their awesome care given to Daddy over the last month and Gentiva Hospice care the last days of Daddy’s life.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30pm at New Bethel Church Gladys, 5854 Nowlins Mill Road, Gladys, VA 24554.  Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00pm at New Bethel Church Gladys, officiated by Rev. Roger Powell and Rev. Pat Watkins.  Burial will follow at Mt. Zion UMC, Red House Rd., Rustburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to New Bethel Church Gladys c/o 54 Memory Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.