BEN GULLEY SR., 82  transitioned from this earthly house to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

He was born  the  7TH  of 14 children, on October 10, 1935 in Repton, Alabama to Willie E. and Elvina (Marshall) Gulley. He grew up in Centennial and Repton, Alabama and Akron, Ohio. (Springfield Township).

He was educated in the local public schools in those communities.

He was employed in various construction and farming vocational activities; spending the majority of his adult vocation as an iron-worker for R.H. Ruhlin construction company, Where he was very involved in the construction of Akron General hospital and  the Summit Mall as well as various other  major construction sites around north-east Ohio.

He prided himself  on his cooking skills, specializing in various southern cuisines.  These included many different vegetables, meats, and desserts, which he perfected in the kitchen watching and helping  his mother, Elvina, whom he adored.

He was always a responsible family member, helping to care for his younger brothers and sisters after the older siblings left home; assisting his father with farming chores,  building construction, and motor vehicle mechanical  activities.  Ben was known far and wide for opening his home to nieces, nephew, and others when they needed a meal or a place to live, and often even financial assistance.

He committed his life to the Lord and became serious about service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ  at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Springfield Township, Ohio and served as a Deacon, quartet singer member, bible teacher and all around faithful servant for many years. In his last days he could  be found praying and singing God's praise with his sister Cornelia and her husband Bishop Chester Isabell.

He served in the Army Reserves for many years, going off for the 6 week's update training every summer to maintain his readiness.

Ben married Ellistene Stanley in 1957 and to this union was born 4 sons; Howard Jerome; Robert Lewis; Ben Jr.; and Kimball Wayne.  He later married Icey  Henry.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, one sister Eloise; and seven brothers; Robert Theodus , Juddge Lee, John Lee, James Lewis, William, Walter Lee,  and Willie David. He  was also preceded by the mother of his children, Ellistene.

He leaves to mourn his passing his four sons; Howard, Robert,  Ben "Sherman" (Valerie}, and Kimball; Grand Children: Latoya, April, Howard Jr., and Romero.

He also leaves sisters: Willie Pearl Davison and Clara Tolbert of Pensacola, Fl.; Amanda(Matthew) Mimms; Cornelia (Bishop Chester) Isabell; I. Delores (Jerry) Drone.  He will also be sadly missed by "cousins by the dozens", especially the Gulley and Millender clans; as well close to 51 nieces and nephews ; as well as  many other relatives and friends.

I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall always be in my mouth.