Bennett "Ben" Musick

Musick, Bennett BenBennett Lee Musick (Ben) died at home on October 15 from multiple myeloma. He was under the care of Cornerstone Hospice. Ben was born on April 13, 1940, in Kingsport, TN, but was a lifelong resident of Orlando. He attended Kaley Elementary, Cherokee Junior High, and was a 1958 graduate of Boone High School. While at Boone, he was a consistent winner in drag strip racing with his 1957 Chevy. He graduated with honors from Rollins College with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Business Education. In the early 70s, he developed real estate and built several homes and apartments. Ben taught at Valencia College for 27 years, retiring in 1999. He was a tenured business and real estate professor and was awarded Professor Emeritus status in 2000. He was an Air Force Veteran. Ben was a member of the local Board of Realtors for over 30 years and was named Associate of the Year in 1967 and was awarded a Life Membership in the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce in 1969. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Bahia Shrine. Ben was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of South Orlando for over 43 years and was the Kiwanis Clubhouse manager. In 2001, he was instrumental in getting the club to purchase the Conway Garden Club building which had been built by his grandfather, John C Davis, in 1960. Ben served in many roles in Kiwanis including President, Fellowship Chairman, and on the Board of Directors. He was twice named Kiwanian of the Year, was a member of the Legion of Honor, and a Hixon Fellow. He won over 200 trophies for his restored 1957 Chevrolet and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the Antique Automobile Club of America's Grand National 1st Place for his 1950 Harley-Davidson. He loved to travel and enjoyed taking family and friends to Alaska and on foreign excursions. Some of his favorite trips were with his son Travis and best friend, Rodney Russ. Ben was a world traveler, having visited all 50 states, all 7 continents, and 114 foreign countries. He was a member of the Travelers' Century Club and was recognized by International Travel News for his adventures. He was a born-again Christian, having recently accepted Christ as his Savior. Ben was predeceased by his father, Jerrel Lee Musick, who died on Iwo Jima in 1945, and his mother, Catherine Musick Ramsey, who died in 2014. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita, son Travis, daughter-in-law Lorena, and granddaughter Rafaela, who was born on his 72nd birthday. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the Henry Chapel of First Baptist Church in Orlando. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kiwanis Club of South Orlando (1940 Conway Gardens Road, Orlando, 32806) or to Cornerstone Hospice (2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL, 32778).