Benjamin Terry King
October 29, 1942 – June 11, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Benjamin Terry King who left us on June 11, 2024, at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, and he is now at peace with the Lord. A pillar of strength and leadership, his life and legacy are deeply interwoven with the community that he loved and served. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, and his absence leaves an unfillable void in our hearts.
Terry was reared in Nokesville, Virginia, as the eldest of three children. He graduated from Nokesville High School in 1960; he served as the senior class president and earned letters in basketball, baseball, and track. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Charleston in 1964 where he served as president of the student government association. Terry was a proud alumnus of The University of Virginia, earning his Master of Education in 1967 and Doctor of Education in 1973.
Dr. Benjamin Terry King was the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College from 1984 to 2008. Before coming to DSLCC, he had a wide range of leadership positions in higher education: Director of Student Services at Germanna Community College, Assistant Dean for Student Services at University of South Carolina at Sumter, Acting Dean of Instruction and Student Life at University of Charleston, and Assistant Academic Dean at Morris Harvey College.
Terry had a passion for community service, donating his time and energy to serve others and to steward God’s creation. He served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations including: Alleghany Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, Cowpasture River Preservation Association, Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, Jackson River Governor’s School, Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District, and Bath Community Hospital. Terry was committed to serving his community as a volunteer for Bath County Meals on Wheels and as an Elder and Team Leader at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church. Terry cultivated excellence in his children, especially when it came to athleticism, as a Youth Coach for t-ball, soccer, and basketball. He was a consistent advocate for youth education and instilling the value of social responsibility as a supporter of the Virgina Youth Elks Camp and a volunteer for the Mentorship Program at Mountain View Elementary School for at-risk youth.
An avid outdoorsman and “educated mountain man”, Terry appreciated the beauty and value of being in nature. He was passionate about hunting, hiking, canoeing, fishing, carpentry, and farming – not only at his own farm, but also at his wife’s family farm in West Virginia. He had a talent for working with his hands and the enterprise of building, repairing, and engineering. He was known as hard-working and dependable, quick to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. His annual elk hunting trips out west were a continual source of joy and anticipation, fulfilling Terry’s desire for comradery, challenge, and adventure.
Predeceased by his parents and his sister Lana Jean and brother John, Terry’s legacy is carried forward by his loving wife Mary Margaret, his children Ben (Leah), Sarah (Matt), and Jim (Catie), and his granddaughter Evelyn Mae. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he cultivated in the hearts of those who knew him will grow for generations to come.
Service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church (102 Windy Cove Rd, Millboro, VA). Family visitation will begin at 12 p.m. at the church and continue until the service commences. There will be a late luncheon reception following the service at 3:30 p.m. at River Uplands Farm (28527 Mountain Valley Rd, Millboro, VA). Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
Donations in memory of Terry can be made to any one of these organizations, which exemplify missions near and dear to his heart: Virginia Youth Elks Camp, Cowpasture River Preservation Association, and Highland County Humane Society.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com