Jacob Benjamin Mcelhaney

Obituary

Mr. Jacob Benjamin McElhaney, aka “Ben” was born October 3, 1949 to the parentage of the late Pink C. McElhaney and the late Oscie E. McElhaney in Ocilla, GA. Ben, departed this life on July 4, 2020. He graduated from Ely High School in 1968. He began service in the United States Army in 1969 and was honorably discharged in 1971.

Ben relocated to Pompano Beach, FL in the mid-sixties and attended Blanche Ely High School, where he graduated in 1968. He worked as a chef until he was drafted into the US Army in August of 1969. Upon the completion of his military service, he attended Broward Community College where he obtained his degree in auto body repair. He later became employed as an autobody and repairman at George's Auto Body. In the late 80's, Ben relocated to Saginaw, MI where he founded and owned Ben's Auto Body Shop. He thrived in the auto body repair business for over forty years. Ben also was an avid and skilled fisherman. He enjoyed coming together with his family having fish fry gatherings, which everyone looked forward to.

He leaves to cherish many precious memories his loving children: three daughters, Shannon Render (Willie) of North Lauderdale, FL, Patricia Love (Jamario) of Pompano Beach, FL, Nikki McElhaney of Sunrise, FL and his sons, Delvon Ducre of Caledonia, MI and Jacob Peterson of Tennessee;  His grandchildren: Travis Holmes, Willie Stanley, Jimmie Truss, Earvin Harris, Jasmine Hannah, Brittni Marshall (Kevin), Shanard Harris, Earlisha Harris, Krystal Hannah, Earl Harris, Jr, Nikolas Harris, Demario Love, Londyn Satchell, Kharter Satchell, Danniel Peterson, Journey Peterson, Nora Peterson, Da’marion Peterson, Jaia Peterson and Hazel Peterson. Twelve great-grandchildren will miss him dearly; three sisters, Betty Anderson, Dolores McElhaney and Felicia McElhaney; five brothers, Pink E. McElhaney, Walter McElhaney Sr, Nathaniel Black, Tony McElhaney, Aaron McElhaney; one uncle, Alphonso Graham and one aunt, Mildred Grimage (Arthur) and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Dora McElhaney; two brothers, Johnnie C. McElhaney and Jimmie McElhaney; and one brother in law, Samuel L. Anderson, Sr.

Ben had a very special love and relationship with Emmanuel & Charlise Hibbler, Maris Buriel, George Carr, Dwandra Williams, Georgia Moten and Saniah Moten.

Graveside Service for the late Mr. Jacob Benjamin McElhaney will be Saturday, July 11, 2020, 1:00 p.m. at the Southview Cemetery, 2065 Clay Road, Valdosta.

Apostle Walter McElhaney, Sr. and Minister Betty Anderson will officiate.

Public viewing will be Friday, July 10, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

All those who wish to pay their respects in person must wear a mask during visitation and at graveside services.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the on online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net.

Due to COVID-19, Godfrey Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.