Bennie Jo Frampton

Bennie Jo Frampton, 82, of Valdosta, passed away at South Georgia Medical Center after lengthy illness, on August 20, 2009, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Ben was born in Howe, Texas on April 22, 1927, the son of the late Charles and Neva Frampton of Sherman, Texas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Lou York Frampton, a son, Lee Scott Frampton, a grandson, Jay Deason and a sister, Opal Smith.

Ben brought his family to Tifton from Oklahoma in 1963 and continued to live and bring up his family there until his wife Peggy passed away in 1987. He married his wife Barbara Purdy Frampton in 1988 and then made his home in Valdosta for more than 20 years. Ben was a very loving man and a perfect gentleman. He loved his family and friends. Ben wasn’t much for words, but when he had something to say you knew it. He was tough on the inside and a big Teddy Bear on the outside. Not many people knew that Ben survived two wars, WWII and the Korean conflict where he received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Medal of Honor. He was a “real” cowboy in his early years, when he bulldogged steers on the circuit until he suffered an injury. Ben loved sports, especially football. There was no talking to him when there was a game on, no matter the team. He was an avid Tift County Blue Devil fan and never missed a game, his family in tow. After moving to Valdosta his love of football made him a Wildcat fan too. He was a pretty good golfer in his day and when his health deteriorated he would ride in the cart and watch his buddies play.

Ben loved to cook and eat and was known for his great steaks and mean ribs. He and Barbara along with friends frequented the local restaurants of Valdosta for good fellowship and a meal. Ben loved Gospel and Country music. He would listen to old Gospel records in the quiet of his room and stayed up many nights for all night Gospel sings. His love of dance brought him and Barbara together for a romance that led to marriage in just two short months. Those who knew Ben know that he was a hardworking man, working from the age of 8 until 81 when his health just didn’t permit him to work any longer.

He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Elks Club, Kiwanis of Tifton, and Crossroads Baptist Church. He will be truly missed by so many and memories of Ben will continue to bring smiles. God Speed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Luann F. and Orrin Deason, Brookfield, Lindy and Dave Stewart, Lakeland; a step-son and his wife, Steve and Sue Purdy, Valdosta and a step-daughter, Kim Purdy Hughes, Valdosta; ten grandchildren, Nate and Jessica Branch, Moultrie, Blair Branch, Atlanta, Ashley Hughes, Clint Purdy, Sam Purdy, Alsion P. and Dave Pina, Brooke Purdy, Chason Purdy, Alden Purdy, Colt Purdy; and his Schnauzer, Hagen.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2009, at 3 pm. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 until service time. There will be a small graveside committal at 5 p.m. before Ben is laid to rest at Oakridge Cemetery in Tifton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Baptist Church Foundation for Future or to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602