Jerry Lee Benjamin

Jerry Lee Benjamin, aka “Bear”, was born August 5th 1942 in Rockford, Illinois and passed away
on February 14, 2022. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Kay Benjamin, who he met
first in the 8th grade and eventually married on July 21st 1962. He graduated from East Rockford
High School and went on to attend Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University. He
then began his career as a Regional Sales Manager selling machine tool equipment, which led
him to Richardson, Texas for a short period before relocating to Mineral Wells, Texas in May of
1972. In 1984, he went back to complete his Bachelors of Science at Tarleton State University
and began teaching World Geography at Mineral Wells High School. Knowing he wanted to be
a college professor, in 1996 he received his Masters of Science degree in Geography from
Texas A&M University (Aggies insert whoops here). He went on to teach at Southwestern
Adventist University in Keene, Texas. After retiring from 19 years as an educator, he and Kay
moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas where he taught at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. After
14 years, Jerry and Kay moved back home to Texas.
During his time with us his passions were his family, fishing, photography, boating, being
outdoors, traveling and being close to the water. He was a dedicated disciple of the Lord,
volunteering his time in ministry in many areas including: serving as a Deacon at First Baptist
Church and Indian Creek Baptist Church, volunteering at Mercy Hospital, and volunteering at
Community Bible Church in Fort Smith.
He was proceeded in death by his brothers-in-law, Chuck Riley and Steve Sullivan. In addition
to his wife Kay, he is also survived by:
His daughter Becky Farley, her husband Kyle, and their children; son, Benjamin with his wife
Jasmine; and their daughter, Erin.
His son, Brian Benjamin, his wife Dee Dee and their children Jordan, Lauren, Reagan, Joseph
and Jocelyn.
His sister, Judy Sullivan and her sons Sean and Tom.
His sister-in-law Shirley Riley and her children, Tim Riley, Scott Riley and his children Kayla and
Conner; Greg Riley and his wife Eva and their daughter Violet.
Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, Texas at 10:00 AM on
February 19, 2022. He will be buried alongside other family members in Rockford, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas or
Happy Hill Farm in Granbury, Texas, or Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth, Texas.