Bennie J. "Ben" Phipps

January 18, 1940 - February 7, 2019

Ben J. Phipps, 79 of Benicia passed away peacefully February 5, 2019, following a courageous nearly four-year battle with cancer. Ben was born in Albany, Texas and lived in Benicia for 35 years. He was a proud veteran, enlisting in the US Navy in 1957. Ben served the later part of his enlistment on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier before receiving an honorable discharge in 1961. Following his military service, Ben earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State in 1965. Ben’s personality served him well as he worked in Sales and Marketing for Heublein Inc. for 30 years. While with Heublein he lived in numerous states including Connecticut, Texas, Arizona and Southern and Northern California. Ben enjoyed exploring each state, camping in National parks and boating on local lakes. Ben will always be remembered for his love of life. His favorite pastimes were spending time with family and friends. He particularly loved grilling, charming everyone with food, drink and conversation. He was happiest when helping others. There was nothing he couldn’t do-from working on cars, to gardening to fixing computers. His kind heart and giving nature made him a very special person. Ben was also an avid sports fan. He was a season ticket holder for the San Francisco 49ers and played golf weekly. Ben was also a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Ben is survived by Sally Smythe, his wife and best friend of 34 years, daughter Crystal and son-in-law Roman Garcia of Riverside, California, son Dan Phipps of Hemet, California, two sisters, Lorene Sherry of Georgetown, Texas and Faye Bradley of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; his grandchildren Anthony Paris, Chayil Garcia, Jacob Garcia, Cody Shepherd and Melissa Phipps; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by two brothers, Truman Phipps and J.C. Hill. Graveside services with military honors will be held 11:45 a.m., Thursday, February 28th at Riverside National Cemetery.