In loving memory of Benny Edward Cribbs - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Benny Edward (Ben) Cribbs, age 72, peacefully went to be with the Lord while at home in Edgewater, Florida on September 6th after a fierce battle with cancer. He was born on September 11th, 1943 to Curtis and Iris (Moody) Cribbs in Screven, Georgia.

Ben enlisted in the Navy in 1965 during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict. He served 3 tours of duty aboard an aircraft carrier, USS Ticonderoga, as a fuel repair officer. During one his tours, he and his crew earned a Presidential Unit Citation for performing over 11,000 sorties without a delay or mishap. He earned the rank of Petty Officer before his honorable discharge in 1969.

On April 20th, 1969, Ben married Brenda Jean Odom and shortly after moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he was employed by Florida Power and Light. Ben worked in nearly every area of operations, both outside and inside. On May 24th, 1970, he became a proud Dad of his son, Sean. In 1974, Ben decided to make a career change and moved across the state to Largo, Florida. It was there that he became the manager of a lawn and garden store. A few years later, he helped his company develop a turf grass business, calling on golf courses across Central Florida. After the company decided to move in a different direction, Ben and his family moved to Savannah, Georgia where he was employed at Great Dane Trailers. He worked in several departments in the manufacturing plant, primarily in the Service Department. He spent most of his time as a decaler, affixing custom logos and graphics.

After retirement, Ben moved back to Florida to be near his brother who had been diagnosed with cancer. It was through that experience that he realized a new calling. He began working for Atria Senior Living and later on for Brookdale Senior Living as a driver for special events and activities. He also would take residents for their appointments and treatments. Ben developed a compassion for people that was expressed through encouragement and laughter.

Ben is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda; his sister, Maxine Westberry of Brunswick, Georgia; his son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Christy Cribbs of Carmi, Illinois and 2 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jonathan Cribbs. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.

Ben was a member of Crossroads Christian Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He maintained his faith and trust in God, especially throughout the past several weeks. Ben will be remembered for his endless storehouse of one-liners and sense of humor.