ZUNI—Benjamin Arthur “Mr. Ben” Munford Jr., 87, died Aug. 8, 2008.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1920 in Zuni, to the late Benjamin Arthur Munford, Sr. and Josie Joyner Munford (Bradshaw).

He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Helen Shryer Munford; his sister, Eunice Umphlette and a niece, Kathleen Umphlette Lewison.

“Mr. Ben” was a devoted Christian, husband and caregiver. He was the best daddy, granddaddy and father-in-law in the world. He was also a loving brother, uncle and friend.

As a member of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, he served as a deacon for 47 years, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, training Union director and served on numerous committees.

He was a member of Zuni Ruritan Club, Purdie Masonic Lodge, Young at Heart Club and Peanut City Pacesetters. He retired from the Newport News Shipyard and was a United States Army World War II Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient for injuries received during the Battle of the Bulge.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, church missions work and NASCAR racing.

Survivors include his two daughters and son-in-laws, Kay M. and Bobby Fowler of Sedley, Brenda M. and Ed Phillips of Zuni; two grand-daughters, Suzanne Kay Phillips of Richmond and Stephanie Karen Phillips of Amsterdam; two nieces, Joyce U. Neighbours and husband Marion of Windsor and Sharon U. Case and husband Dan of Little Rock, Ark.; two nephews, Michael Barnes and wife Maggie of Newport News and Rodney Barnes and wife Charlotte of Florida; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; his extended family, Joleen Neighbours and Savannah Miller of Windsor, Sid Neighbours of Portsmouth, Judy and Wayne Hedgepeth of Zuni, Johnny and Diana Cook of Gloucester, Donald and Jonathan Phillips of Chesapeake and the Eugene Helmey Family of Savannah, Ga.

The funeral will be held on today at 11 a.m. in Tucker Swamp Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Bradshaw and the Rev. Dr. Rob Edwards officiating.

The family will greet friends Mr. Ben’s residence.

Memorials may be made to the Tucker Swamp Baptist Church Building Fund or Mission Fund, 37527 Seacock Chapel Road

Zuni. VA 23898.

The family wishes to extend a beloved thank you to the wonderful caregivers from Heartland Hospice.

Please visit Mr. Munford’s online memorial at www.mem.com

Harrell & Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.