Benjamin Lewis Brothers, 79, departed this life on Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

Ben was born on Dec. 30, 1936, in Suffolk to the late Henry and Katherine Brothers and was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Brothers.

Ben accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Cypress Chapel Christian Church. He received his formal education at Whaleyville High School in 1957 and an agricultural award from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He married Tanya Dew on Oct. 16, 1960.

He served in the Army Reserve for eight years. He co-owned Jones & Ball and Franklin Building Materials for 20 years.

He loved all outdoor activities, including riding his Harley-Davison through the mountains. However, his greatest passion was golf. He was an avid Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals fan. When he wasn’t working on household projects, he loved being with his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Tanya Brothers of Williamsburg; two daughters, Sandi Brothers of Franklin and Jennifer Lehman of Chesapeake; six grandchildren, Brittany A. and husband Bryce Perry, Ben Lehman and fiancé Lindsey LaMarre, Justin Porter, Tyler Lehman, Corinne Lehman and John Michael Lehman; four brothers and sisters, Henry Brothers, N.B. Brothers, Betty Painter and Tom Brothers.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home by the Rev. Alan Cruz, with burial in Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to CHKD, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507. Condolences may be offered at RWBakerFH.com.