Mr. Ben Kelley Strain, 95, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at his residence after an extended illness. He attended Brewton City Schools and The University of Alabama. He played on the Freshman baseball team and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he was commander of the chapter. He served the U.S. Army during World War II and he was a member of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church. He was a wholesale lumber dealer and in the oil business for many years. He co-founded the Brewton Little League program and was honored by the Brewton Chamber of Commerce as “Man of the Year.” He served two terms on the Brewton City Council and was a charter member of the Brewton Country Club Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lenora Kelley Strain and Robert Hill Strain; his wife of 45 years, Margaret McQueen Strain; a daughter, Margaret Strain Green; a brother, Robert Hill Strain; his sisters, Willa S. Lovelace, Clair S. O’Neal and Laura S. Sanford; and his nephew, Edward McKenzie Lovelace.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Joann Rye Strain; his son, William Dudley (Barbara) Strain of Scottsboro; his daughter, Patricia Strain (Bill) Ringland of Birmingham; his grandchildren, Amy Strain (Steve) Creech, Lean Strain (Drew) Brambach and Kelley McQueen Strain, all of Huntsville, Andrew Calhoun (Carrie) Robinson Jr. of Nashville, Tenn., Kelley Ringland (William) Caine, Hill Ringland (Dan) Weathers, William Spencer Ringland Jr., all of Birmingham; stepchildren, Jerry Stallworth (Larry) Jarrett of New Albany, Miss. and Mary Stallworth (Michael) Higginbotham of Scottsville, N.Y.; three step grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren;
Graveside services were held Friday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. at Union Cemetery with Craver’s Funeral Home directing. A reception will follow the service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church or the charity of choice. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.craversfh.com.