REEDVILLE—Benjamin Franklin Stultz traded in his earthly presence for his eternal residence in Heaven on the evening of January 28, 2021.
He is best known as an exceptional husband to the late Rachel Lynch Stultz, loving father to Peggy Rush and Karen Sine, and wonderful father-in-law to Tim Rush and Matthew Sine.
Ben deeply loved all of his family and is survived by siblings: Betty Bailey, Doris Pritchard, Barbara Pearce, Jack Stultz and Roger Stultz; five grandchildren, Tara Brinkman (Scott), Timothy (Sharon) and Tyler (Marisa) Rush, Robert (Tracy) and Caleb Sine; as well as six great-grandchildren, Addison, Josiah, Evan, Parker, Luke and Dakota with two additional due in June.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Jackson Stultz and Beulah Walker Stultz; and great-granddaughter Hope Joelle Brinkman.
Ben was born in Anacostia, Washington, D.C. He was raised in Maryland and graduated from Oxon Hill High School. At age 19, he married the love of his life, Rachel Lynch. Soon they welcomed their first daughter, Peggy, into their lives, and 12 years later were surprised and welcomed their second daughter, Karen.
Ben’s legacy is one of joy. He embraced life to the fullest loving people as he wanted to be loved. His greatest joy was sharing life with family and friends, being grounded in and sharing his Christian faith, and having Rachel fill his coffee cup!
As a teenager, Ben was discipled by the pastors of the Bethel Free Methodist Church. There he was accepted and loved by those who saw value in this strong young man. Through his young adult life, he was patiently and unconditionally loved and nurtured in the faith. He devoted himself to the study and understanding of the scriptures and became an advocate of personal devotions and prayer. Such commitment produced a faithful Christian husband, father, friend and devoted church member. He became a Sunday School teacher and director, delegate to the Free Methodist denomination, layman pastor and wore many hats which included lots of elbow grease. Many times, he could be quoted as saying he just wanted to treat people as he would want to be treated and to show them Jesus.
Professionally, he began his career as a crane operator in the waste incinerators. After many years of professional service, he retired as the director of environmental services for Washington, D.C. His second career included being a layman pastor for the Church of God of Anderson, Ind., and locally with the Tibitha Church of God. These years brought him great joy as he was able to share his love of Jesus and enjoy the company of people. These times were all enhanced by the faithful devotion of his bride, Rachel. This imperfect man strove to show that with his primary source of life being God, he could move mountains. Alzheimer’s disease defined his last years but could never blur the true man.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060; or Tibitha Church of God, P.O. Box 167, Reedville, VA 22539.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all who patiently walked these final years with our parents. We will see them again one great day. Until then, Dad would say to us all: Be There!
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
