Ben Walters, Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ben Walters, Jr., who departed this life peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on May 15, 1928, in Jackson, Kentucky, to the late Estill and Nettie Sewell Walters.

A valued member of the community and the Hope First Church of God, Ben devoted himself to his Christian faith, which served as a guiding light throughout his life. As an Army veteran, he exhibited great courage and dedication, values he carried into his work as a maintenance mechanic in a paper factory in California where he lived for twenty-seven years.

Ben found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an outdoor enthusiast, relishing the time spent fishing and hunting birds and big game in the Midwest. His love of nature extended to his own yard, where he cultivated a vegetable garden and took pride in the beauty of his landscape. He also enjoyed his little farm in earlier years and his cattle. The evenings often found him sitting on his front porch swing, reflecting on life and enjoying the fresh air.

In his earlier years, Ben shared his musical talent as part of the Hope Quartet. He touched the lives of many by singing at various events, raising funds for the Hope Hill Children's Home-a testament to his kind heart and commitment to helping others.

Most importantly, Ben cherished his family above all. He took great delight in spending time and created countless treasured memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His warmth, laughter, and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Ben is survived by his wife, Bonnie Ruggels Hackworth Walters; sons, Delmar Walters (Debbie), Jerry Walters (Andrea), Kenny Walters (Sharon), and Robert Walters; daughters, Judy Leach (Marvin), Debbie Hanna (Bryan), and Sherri Griffith (Barry); twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to Ben's parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Ollie Adams Walters; brothers, Virgil Walters, Ed Walters, Ollie Walters, Ocie Walters, and Jack Walters; sisters, Mary Lou Holdridge and Hazel Frazier; daughters-in-law, Debbie Walters and Sharon Walters.

Funeral services for Ben Walters, Jr. will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Hope First Church of God. A visitation will take place from 10:00AM to 1:00PM, followed with the funeral at 1:00PM. He will be laid to rest following the service at Fortune Cemetery with military rites. Pastor Dave Hopkins will be officiating.

Pallbearers: Eric Casillas, Jaden Jones, Jeremy Hanna, Kaiden Turner, Steve Risner, and Vince Walters. Honorary Pallbearers: Joseph Walters, Kenneth Walters, Chris Walters and Destin Walters.

In our hearts, Ben will forever remain-a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather, a cherished friend, and a steadfast believer. May he rest in peace.