Benjamin Stowe Neill, Jr.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 Benjamin Stowe Neill, Jr. 83, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's at Clemmons Village I. He was surrounded by his wonderful caregivers who have given him such excellent care during the last 5 years. He was born along the Yadkin River in the Enon community of Yadkin County on May 21, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stowe and Kathleen Steele Neill, and a sister Jenny Lee Neill. Ben was a graduate of R. J. Reynolds High School. He served in the Korean War and graduated from Wake Forest University. He taught school at East Bend High School and retired as a teacher from North Forsyth High School. He was active in government and politics. He was the Mayor of East Bend during the 1960's and early 1970's. The East Bend public water system was built during his administration. This was made possible by a federal grant during President Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" days, and with the help of U.S. Senator Sam J. Ervin. Ben was very active in Democratic Party politics. He was the Fifth District campaign coordinator for George McGovern in 1972. He was the longtime chairman of the Yadkin County Democratic Party and candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was an advocate for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. He was a member of Veterans for Peace and Peace Action and took part in several peace vigils. Ben was a member of the East Bend United Methodist Church where he was a lay speaker, lay leader, Bible Class Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. The Peace pall on the casket was made especially for Ben by the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ladies of Richmond Hill Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Ann Speas Martin Neill, of the home, his son Benjamin Stowe Neill III and wife Amy Lipton, and his granddaughter Kadence Luella Neill, all of Garrison, NY. Funeral services will be held at East Bend United Methodist Church in East Bend on Saturday March 29 at 11:00 by ministers Rev. Bruce Updyke and Rev. Randy Johnson. Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service. Burial will follow in the East Bend Baptist Church Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Clemmons Village I for all the loving care shown to Ben during his illness. Memorials may be made to East Bend United Methodist Church c/o Ellen Jent, 312 Martin Acres, East Bend, NC 27018.