Benjamin Ashley Lively

Benjamin Ashley Lively, Sr., age 96, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026.
Born on April 26, 1929, in Augusta, Georgia, Ben was the beloved son of Matthew Warren Lively and Beatrice Hill Lively, both of whom preceded him in death. At age eight, he moved from Augusta to the family farm in Shell Bluff, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility while helping raise cotton and tobacco. In those early years, he plowed behind a mule and lived in a home without electricity or indoor plumbing-experiences that shaped the strength and character for which he became known.

Ben was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ella Bargeron, Earl Lively, Eleanor Molinaroli, Virginia Etheridge, and his grandson, Christopher, all of whom he loved dearly.

After completing his education at Southern Technical Institute with a degree in mechanical technology, Ben founded L&W Plumbing in 1957 in Chamblee, Georgia. L&W quickly grew to include HVAC service. In the early 60's, Ben served as one of the original authors of the state plumbing code and as chairman of the National Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Association (NWAHACA). His commitment to quality workmanship and integrity built a company known and respected throughout the region, and many considered him not only a skilled craftsman but a mentor and steady friend.

Ben had a love of aviation. As a licensed pilot, he found joy in flying and often used his gift to serve others-frequently flying pastors to meetings and ministry events. He was a faithful member at First Baptist Church of Atlanta under the leadership of Dr. Charles Stanley from 1974 to 1994. His service to the church, his pastors, and his community reflected his unwavering devotion to his Lord and Savior. His faith was central to his life, and he was a proud founding board member of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ, where he invested his time and leadership into helping Christian business owners honor God through their work.

Ben also had a great love for fishing, a pastime that connected him to nature and brought him deep peace. Whether casting a line at dawn or swapping stories with friends and family, fishing was one of his enduring pleasures

Ben was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 70 years, Betty Dyer Lively. Their partnership was a testimony of faithfulness, love, and shared purpose.

He leaves behind a large family who carries forward his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Ben is survived by:

Siblings

Kathryn Spears

Betty King

Children

June Price Carmichael and Nick, and her children:

Kate (Tony) Price Carango, Georgia, Henry, and Camilla

Jennifer (Dean) Price DeGennaro, Lola, Lucy, and Lively

Lauren (Matt) Price Fogarty, Brian, Thomas, Wyatt, and McCall

Benjamin Ashley Lively, Jr. and Lossie and their children:

Benjamin III (Amanda)

Christopher (deceased)

David Lively and Sabrina and their children: Irena, Clara, Nathan, and Ana

Joy Lively Barker and Michael, and their children:

Sarah (Josh) Cook, Evie and Kalila

Michael (Taylor), Alina, Olivia, and Austin

Matthew

Philip

Janet Lively McCollum and Michael, and their children:

David (Maggie), David Jr

Anna (Michael) Hill, Scott

Leah (Peter) Bodunrin, Peter

Caroline (Brooks) Britt

Ben's legacy spans many generations, each one shaped by his steady presence, southern humor, and marked by hard work, commitment to family, dedication to his craft, and devoted love and deep faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, business owner, pilot, mentor, and friend. His family rejoices that he is now reunited with Betty, his parents, his brothers and sisters and grandson Christopher in the presence of the Savior he served so faithfully.

A Celebration of Ben's life will be held at 12Stone Hamilton Mill, 3858 Braselton Highway, Buford 30519 on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM. A reception will be held afterwards in the reception hall.