Dea. Kyler Benjamin, Sr.
Deacon Kyler Benjamin, Sr. was born in Conecuh County, Alabama on November 13, 1913 to the late Richard and Nancy Benjamin. He attended school at Boykin Jr. High School in the Boykin Community. He knew the value of education and said on many occasions how he wished he had gone farther in school.
Deacon Benjamin confessed Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Johnsonville Community. He met and married the love of his life, Ms. Lena Bradley; he stated, "That was the prettiest little girl I had ever seen." In 1936 this pretty little girl became his wife and to this union of 73 years ten (10) children were born.
Deacon Benjamin moved to Escambia County, Alabama and moved his church membership to Second St. John Missionary Baptist Church in the Springhill Community. The Pastor, staff, and members saw the Christian character in him and placed him on the Deacon Board where he served faithfully for over 66 years. Deacon Benjamin was responsible in the purchasing of the land for the St. John Cemetery, and Pastor Dailey assigned him the duty as foreman in the construction of the new church. He did not miss a day of being on his post as construction foreman.
Deacon Benjamin was employed by T.R. Miller Mill Co. in the Forestry Department and retired after 35 years of service. He also maintained his own landscaping and lawn care business for over 65 years. He also loved working in his garden. On many occasions he would be seen riding in his pickup truck with his trusty, tobacco chewing dog, Sport.
Yes, Deacon Benjamin saw many changes from 1913 to 2016, when asked did he ever think that the United States would ever have a black President he said, "No." But, he was blessed to live long enough to vote for President Obama twice and each time Deacon Benjamin would see President Obama on television he would say, "Ain't that our man."
Yes, we all loved Deacon Benjamin, he touched so many lives, now God has smiled on him and has given him Sweet Rest.
Deacon Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Nancy Benjamin; his wife, Lena Benjamin; son, Kyler Benjamin Jr. and brothers, Richard "Dewey", Henry, David, Simmie, U.L. and Rosenfield "Moot".
He leaves to cherish his memories those who knew him best, four devoted daughters, Retha Frisby, Dorothy William, both of Long Island, NY, Shirley (Jeffery) Blount and Janice Benjamin, both of Brewton, AL; five sons, Rev. James (Queen) Benjamin of Central Islip, NY, Charles (Nellie) Benjamin of Albion, MI, Willie (Kathy) Benjamin of Brewton, AL, Richard (Linda) Benjamin of Mobile, AL and Rev. Danny (Janet)
Benjamin of Brewton, AL; thirty-two grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren, which added a 5th generation; two devoted nieces, Carrie Bradley Moncrease and Cora Benjamin Bailey; a very special cousin, Minnie Stallworth; a very special caregiver and friend of the family, Mr. Detrick Roberson; one sister-in-law, Addie Benjamin and a host of other relatives, loved ones and friends.