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Ben met his Savior in the kingdom of heaven on August 29, 2024.
Born in Rocky Mount, Va. on September 15, 1931. He was predeceased by his parents, Benton T. Leonard, Sr. (a Methodist minister) and Georgia Kate Moore (a school teacher). As well as his sister Eloise Johnson, brothers James (Lee) Claibourne (Betty Sue) and his son Ben III and daughter Lauren (Jeff). His wife Josephine (Joey) survives him and Jonathan Wright (his stepson) whom he raised as his own.
He graduated from Eagle Rock High School in Eagle Rock, Va. After graduation he was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock. After three years he was a certified boilermaker. He then became a patrol officer with The Warwick Police Department (no longer in existence). Ben had wanted to become a Virginia State Trooper; however, he was told that he could not because he had a distant relative in Southwest Virginia who was a trooper. A chance meeting, while working for Warwick Police Department, with a member of the Virginia General Assembly (who also was on the committee to allocate funds to the state police) told Ben that he had never heard that law. The next day the superintendent of the VSP called Ben and they had a meeting. So began Ben’s entrance to the State Police Academy. Ben served with honor and with integrity for 31 years. He loved his career choice and treated his fellow troopers with respect. He retired as a First Sergeant.
In retirement his passion was golfing. He was a member of Birdwood golf course for many years. Ben was always ready for his next adventure and he and Joey traveled to England, Scotland, France, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Canada and the Florida Keys. It is now time to say farewell to the love of my life – my soulmate – I loved you then, I love you now, I always have and always will.
A very special thank you to First Sergeant Kevin Frazier for all his assistance, care and concern for Ben on his final journey.
For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.