Benjamin Franklin Burns, III

Benjamin Franklin Burns III, known to many as Ben, was born on July 31, 1959, in Florence, Alabama. He passed away on February 12, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, Mississippi. Ben was the owner of Rushing Drugs, Burnsville Discount Drugs, and Tupelo Family Pharmacy. He truly loved serving his customers and community and did so faithfully for many years. A 1977 graduate of Iuka High School, Ben followed in the footsteps of his father, Frank, and pursued a career in pharmacy. He proudly graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1994 and later became the pharmacist at Rushing Drugs.

Ben was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Oakland Baptist Church and The Vaught Society at Ole Miss. A devoted Ole Miss Rebel fan, he especially enjoyed attending football games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. In years past, he loved tailgating in Oxford in his RV with his Rebel family. For several seasons, Ben served as the driver of the Rebel Road Trip, traveling throughout the southern states with Ole Miss coaches and faculty.

Ben had many hobbies, including aviation, and earned his pilot’s license. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a leader and developer with the Tri-State Cross for Christ in Iuka, where he played a vital role in bringing the vision to life. Ben had a deep love for the Iuka community and the people who called it home.

Ben is survived by his wife of 20 years, Selena Burns, and his children, Evan Burns, Benjamin Burns, Konner Davis, and Kaylee Bobo (Weston). His most greatest joy was being a grandfather to Sofia Collins Bobo, Eden Burns, and Adalisa Burns. Ben is also survived by his sister, Rebecca Thomas (Butch); his nephews, Jaco Thomas and Clay Thomas (Kloe); and his cousin, Carter Haines (Jackie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Burns Jr. and Bobbye Sue Carter Burns.

Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Iuka Baptist Church, located at 105 W. Eastport Street, Iuka, Mississippi. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and will continue on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Monday, officiated by Dr. Randy Bostick and Bro. Sheldon Lambert. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richie West, Ben Albarracin, Jon Terauchi, Chris Garner, Frank Brinkley, and Gary Williams. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Richard Arriola, Keith Carter, Dr. Jim Perkins, Jeff Hollis, and Carter Haines.

Ben was a beloved member of his community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the staff of Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo for the care and love shown to Ben. Donations in Ben's honor can be made to Sanctuary Hospice House at https://sanctuaryhospicehouse.harnessgiving.org/donate. An online guest book may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.