The Valley Tribune
Lanett, Alabama
16 Dec 1948
Beloved 'Mr. Ben' Jennings Dies At Langdale Tuesday

Benjamin Marshall (Mr Ben ) Jennings, 72, one of Langdale s most useful and beloved citizens, widely known and highly esteemed throughout the Valley, died unexpectedly at his home Tuesday afternoon; although he bad been in declining health for the past six months. Services were held from the Langdale Methodist church Wednesdav afternoon, with his pastor, the Rev. M. L. Triplett offijciating, assisted by the Rev Otis Williams and the Rev Melvin Dollar. Overseers and second hands in the Langdale mill served as active and honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Langdale, conducted by Johnson and Company. Born near the Whiteville community in Harris county, April 13, 1876, Mr. Jennings moved with his parents to Langdale in 1891, when he started to work in the card room of the mill. Through his skill, ingenuity and determination to succeed, he worked ; at many jobs until he was promoted to overseer in 1907, the position he held until his retirement about one year ago. He was a charter member of the 50-Year club. While he was of the pioneer type, and of the old school, Mr Jennings was always gentle and kind, generous in his nature, and possessed of a personality and philosophy that won for him a host of loving and admiring i friends. He served his community well and long in many capacities, and was a trustee of the Langdale school from 1903 until the time of his death. Commenting on his service with West Point Manufacturing Company, Mr. Jennings said last year: "I was never laid off, never demoted, and never lost time by accident while working in the mill. ' In an impromptu statement at the recent annual meeting of the 50-Year club, Mr. Jennings received an ovation from his associates when he said: When Mr. George Lanier passed away, I knew then that no one could ever take his place. And I know the same thing tonight. But I also know that Mr. Joe Lanier can stand in his own shoes, and 1 know that he can come nearer than any other person to taking Mr. Georges place. Surviving Mr. Jennings are his wife, and two daughters. Misses Lavelle and Genelle Jennngs, Langdale; three sons, Frank and Roy Jennings, Langdale and Alton Jennings, Oak Ridge, Tenn.: also five grandchildren; a brother Ed Jennings, Fairfax, and two sisters, Mrs. D. Reid and Mrs. Henry Crowder, Langdale. SINGING SCHEDULED The Highway Congregational Christian Church announces the regular Third Sunday afternoon singing win be held Sunday at, 2:30 pun. Central standard Time.