Edward Bennett “Ben” Wilson Jr.

Edward Bennett “Ben” Wilson, Jr., 79, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away peacefully at his home on August 30, 2014.

Ben was born in Rising Sun on September 11, 1934, the son of Edward Bennett Wilson, Sr., and Esther Harris (Ewing) Wilson, and was a lifelong resident of Cecil County. He was a graduate of Rising Sun High School and Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington, DE. He served in the Marine Corps, being stationed in California. After his military service, he sailed as a crew member on a private sailboat to Portugal and Spain. After returning to the States, he joined the Community Fire Co. of Rising Sun and served as its treasurer, eventually becoming a life member and a member of its bowling team.

For many years, Ben worked for the Farmers and Mechanics Insurance Co. in Zion, MD, and remained on its Board of Directors until his death. He later worked for the People’s Bank of Elkton, MD, and afterward was a courier for NBRS Financial until shortly before his passing.

Ben was a member of the Rising Sun Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for more than 30 years, and was appointed to serve as a ministerial servant with the congregation, handling the congregation’s accounts. He spent many hours each month volunteering his time to help others understand and follow the Bible’s teachings.

He is survived by his two sisters, Della M. Holtzapple and her husband Philip of Syracuse, NY, and Gloria J. Pyle and her husband Kenneth of Elkton, MD; two nieces, Gretchen Bender and her husband Jon of Pittsburgh, PA, and Alison Cridge and her husband Todd of Syracuse, NY; and two nephews, Justin Pyle and his wife Charity of Trainer, PA, and Christopher Pyle and his wife Cynthia of Wilmington, DE.

Funeral arrangements will be private.