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Mr. Benjamin Franklin Everhart Sr., 91, of Lexington, died peacefully Feb. 6, 2024 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem.

He was born in Davie County (Cooleemee) on July 14, 1932  to the late Benjamin Ernest and Mary Belle Garwood Everhart.

Frank graduated from Cooleemee High School and then served in the Army receiving an honorable discharge as a corporal in 1961. While serving in the reserves from 1955 to 1961, he took advantage of the GI Bill and graduated from Catawba College in 1959, with a degree in business while also working fulltime.

He met Judy Wilkinson Everhart, his wife of nearly 64 years, on a blind date in 1958, while she was attending UNCG. They were married in March 1960.

Frank worked as a supervisor at R J Reynolds Tobacco Company and was excited to begin retirement life when accepting an early retirement offer after nearly 30 years.  This allowed for him to drive the extra mile to save a nickel when doing his errands, enjoy sharing his garden with friends and neighbors, and to write many letters to editors and politicians expressing his opinion. He also served on multiple church committees and boards and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by: his brother, Gray Everhart; and his sister, Shelby Everhart Brown.

Surviving: his wife of the home; a son, Ben Everhart (Gina) of Winston-Salem and daughter, Diane Everhart Murphy (Steve) of Raleigh; and 2 grandchildren, Eryn and Zach Murphy of Raleigh.

His pride and joy came from his grandchildren. “Granddaddy” loved attending band concerts, drama events, and athletic games, but nothing was better than the smile when he was reading the stories and publications written by Eryn or watching Zach on the football field, especially when Zach played at Wake Forest University.

There will not be a memorial service. While in-home visits to express sympathy are appreciated, the family requests privacy for Judy at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions for: Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27106; or Storehouse for Jesus, 675 Lexington Road, Mocksville, NC 27028.

Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.