Benjamin Fred Jones

Benjamin Fred Jones, Ben or Benny as he was affectionately referred to as a child, passed away on July 3, 2024, in Melbourne, FL, at the age of 76. Born on June 16, 1948, in Tarboro, NC, he was the first born of Mary Rebecca (Becky) and Benjamin Allen (Allen) Jones. He grew up in Pitt County, NC and the Tidewater area of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va.  He was a man of diverse talents and deep generosity who left an indelible mark on every path he trod. All who knew him would agree, Ben Jones was a force to be reckoned with. 

Ben is survived by his children whom he always guided towards making the right decisions- Angela (and Lou Piscitelli), Tommy (and Angeline Jones), Alex Jones, and Blair (and Luke Szumski).  He is survived by his grandchildren, whom he adored and found great joy in spending time with. He took great pride in watching them thrive and grow - Kevin, Bradley, Gianna, Jordan, Hannah, Tommy Jr., and Dominick. He was incredibly proud to be a father and grandfather and his legacy will live on through them. He truly loved his fur babies and grandbabies as well. He was the oldest of 7 children, he is survived by his siblings- Joyce, Nancy, Mary Kay, Randy and Binford, and his ex-wife Belinda, as well many nieces and nephews who truly loved their "Uncle Ben".

He was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Carolyn Faye in 2014 and his sister Patsy in 2005 as well as his parents, Allen and Becky.

Ben lived a life marked by an unparalleled work ethic, dedicating countless hours to building his business while still finding the time to care for his family, instilling strong work ethic, persistence and determination in his children along the way. His goal was to ensure that each child reached their full potential and he lovingly appointed his own goals, instinctively knowing what each of his children would be good at.

Ben's military tenure, although brief, was marked by his service at Fort Benning, GA, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before his honorable discharge from the US ARMY. His commitment to his country was a proud chapter in his life.

Professionally, Ben was a dynamic salesperson and entrepreneur. His journey began with door-to-door sales, showcasing Britannica Encyclopedias then to automobile sales, perfecting his early knack for persuasion and love for Corvettes. However, his true passion was discovered in the world of sewing machines. He established one of the first privately owned sewing machine stores in the nation and became the initial franchisee for Singer Sewing Machines. His exceptional leadership and sales prowess did not go unnoticed, as he received top salesman accolades from several prestigious companies, including Singer Sewing Machines and Tacony. Ben's success extended beyond national borders, allowing him to travel globally, thanks to sales-driven trips. His innovative spirit was evident when he became the first to feature ceiling fans alongside sewing machines in a retail setting—a bold move that resulted in selling out the entire shipment of merchandise on the opening day and he then immediately pre sold the entire second shipment.  Ben's career was characterized by groundbreaking achievements, including his pioneering work in selling sewing machines online, which the industry thought could not be done.

He captured the admiration and respect of colleagues and customers alike. He was renowned for his fervent advocacy within the business community, particularly through his role in an internet retailer group where he lobbied on Capitol Hill against the imposition of sales tax on the internet. Ben's marketing prowess was most vividly displayed in his unique promotional activities such as Crazy Ben's treasure hunts, featuring clues announced via local radio and in-store. This event became legendary, engaging the entire community in spirited searches. Ben's career was marked by his relentless drive. His dedication to his work and his commitment to excellence distinguished him as a leader in his field. He leaves behind a legacy of ingenuity and unmatched work ethic. His passion for his work and his ability to inspire those around him will be deeply missed.

Ben also had a passion for photography, he opened a one hour photo business, the first of its kind in Florence, SC, while serving as an official NASCAR photographer at Darlington Speedway, combining his love for speed and capturing unforgettable moments. Ben also loved having an ongoing project. At home, he was always found immersed in various improvement projects, constantly enhancing his surroundings, whether at home or the warehouse he built for his business.  His properties were always pristine. 

Outside of his professional endeavors, Ben was a dedicated philanthropist. His generosity knew no bounds, from starting a fund to support a young mother's heart transplant to providing a joyous Christmas for a single mother and her children. He also took care of the final arrangements for his niece's infant son, ensuring that his empathy and kindness touched many lives and that no family member or child in need was ever left wanting.

Family and friends are invited to honor Ben's life at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive,  on Tuesday July 16 with a visitation from 12:30-2:30 pm. A graveside service will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US-1, Rockledge, at 3:30 pm. Being that Ben had a casual style, all attendees- men and women alike, are encouraged to wear golf/polo style shirts, Ben's favorite attire, in his honor. Ben requested in lieu of flowers, that potted plants (excluding lilies) be sent to continue his legacy of growth and vitality. This gesture will allow Ben's love to flourish, honoring his memory in a living, enduring way.  Ben's life will be celebrated and remembered for the countless lives he touched with his entrepreneurial spirit, generosity and tenacity to overcome even the most overwhelming obstacles. Ben never let anything stand in the way of what he desired, we should all hope to embody the strength and perseverance that he lived by.