Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Ellis Jr. of Wakefield, 94, died on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Southampton County, a son of the late B.F. Ellis Sr. and Ethel Saunders Ellis.

He was also predeceased by his wives, Mable Cogsdale Ellis and Bernice Felts Ellis; a daughter, Faye Ellis Whitmore; and a brother, Howard L. Ellis.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Ellis Roper; sisters, Mildred Ellis Catlett and Jackie Ellis Vann; grandsons, Jeffrey E. and Gregory J. Whitmore; and great-grandchildren, Sydney, Morgan, Avery and Ayden Whitmore.

B.F. came to Wakefield in 1953 as a vital part in establishing the Cogsdale Implement Co. there, eventually owning the business and remaining involved with it 52 years.

B.F. was very involved with his church, Wakefield Baptist, serving as deacon, trustee, financial secretary and Sunday school director. He had over 21 years of perfect Sunday school attendance.

He was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, honest businessman, helpful neighbor and well thought of in the community and will surely be missed.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Wakefield Baptist Church in the fellowship hall from noon to 2 p.m., with the funeral conducted at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary with the Rev. Carter Dey officiating. The burial will follow at Wakefield cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Wakefield Baptist Church, P. O. Box-567, Wakefield, VA. 23888.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.