Benjamin Ross Wrenn

Reidsville: Benjamin Ross Wrenn, 84, of 300 Williamsburg Road, was in the arms of his loving daughters when he left us for greener pastures. His dearest childhood friend, Rev. John Burton was by his side sharing prayers and memories immediately thereafter. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Rev. John Burton officiating . The family invites all to join us in a celebration of Ben’s life, please bring stories and memories to comfort and inspire all that were close to him. Benny was born Thursday, May 9, 1933 at Sternberger Hospital in Greensboro, NC. He was the first son of the late Raymond Weaver and Cora Bess Gunn Wrenn. Ben’s father was well known in golf circles in NC and was associated with the prominent golf course designer, Donald Ross, and Edward B. Benjamin. Benjamin Ross Wrenn was named for these men. He attended Wentworth School, graduated from Rocky Mount High School and pursued his Law degree at Wake Forest, finishing in 1959. Ben opened his law practice in the Belvedere building in October 1959 and served the community as a criminal attorney for 55 years. He was commissioned an officer in Wake Forest’s ROTC and was selected for membership in the Scabbard and Blade honorary military society. Ben served his country as an Infantry Unit Commander, 2nd Lieutenant, assigned to Fort Benning Army base. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. Ben was an avid lover of the outdoors. He was well known for his talent and knowledge of planting and harvesting Peonies on his family farm. He inherited his “green thumb” from his mother who always maintained a beautiful garden of perennials in Pulaski, VA. His father was also well known as an expert greens keeper of golf courses throughout the U.S. A cowboy at heart, his first pony was given to him by Mr. Benjamin at the age of six. He was an excellent horseman and rode until the age 75. Ben was a life-long student and learned to speak Spanish fluently at age 70. He loved and appreciated the Hispanic culture and immersed himself in it. To quote a very dear friend, Antonio, “Ben was like a father to all of the Hispanics in the community. He was our voice.” Ben was blessed with a melodic tenor voice and actively participated in choral groups throughout his life. He loved to whistle and was a solo singer at one of the local Presbyterian Churches. His last public performance was at his daughter Heather’s wedding when he sang The Lord’s Prayer. Ben gave 100% of what he had to all he did. His legacy in the courtroom and his passion for horticulture created a lasting impression on all who knew him. Ben will be greatly missed and forever live on in our hearts. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Elizabeth Wrenn of Wilmington, NC, Heather Wrenn Bailey and husband, Tom Bailey of Reidsville; granddaughter, Chelsea Long and husband, Vince; great granddaughters, Everley Elizabeth and Vale Caroline Long, all of Florida; brother, Weaver Wrenn of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Betsy Groseclose of Pulaski, VA. Ben’s daughters would like to express their deepest appreciation to caretakers Miriam, Luisa, Maggie, Clarivel and Isabelle. The love and support of their daily involvement in his life not only allowed him to live his dream of remaining in his home, but more importantly, made him comfortable and brought joy to him with each and every encounter.