Dr. Ben Ogletree

1945 - 2025

Isaiah 25:1 "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure." On December 5, 2025, Dr. Ben Ogletree, 79, of Columbus, Mississippi was called to his eternal home to be with our Lord and Savior.

Ben was born on December 10, 1945, in Mobile, AL to Andrew and Helen Ogletree. He grew up in Clinton, MS with his three younger brothers: Joe, David, and Paul Ogletree. After graduation he attended Mississippi State University where he earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering, all while being involved in the MSU marching band, BSU, and engineering honors fraternity Tau Beta Pi. Ben then moved to Arlington, TX to work for LTV and later Lockheed Martin. While there he met and married his beloved wife of 55 years Bennie Galloway Ogletree.

Although he loved engineering, he noticed changes in the field which steered him in a different direction. He was accepted into the distinguished Baylor College of Dentistry, completing the doctoral degree program in just 3 years. Dr. Ben Ogletree accepted a dentistry position after graduation in Columbus, MS and remained in private practice for 43 years surrounded by beloved employees he considered family and all his wonderful patients.

He committed his life to helping others, by first and foremost showing the love of Christ to all he encountered. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Columbus for 50 years, where he served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, RA leader, and Deacon. Outside of the church he served in the mission field, first in Israel as a college student and then later as a dentist in Mexico. Ben was also a member of Columbus Host Lions Club, a Gideon, and strong supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years.

Ben never strayed far from the aerospace field. He kept it close to his heart by continuing to study the stars, building model airplanes and helicopters in his free time, and always sharing his knowledge and joy over the topic with his family. He had several hobbies in his retirement: woodworking, learning how to play the harmonica and banjo, and enjoying football. He was a devoted and involved husband, father, and grandfather Bop); always making his family feel loved and protected, leaving them with cherished memories of his warm smile, joyful laughter, and endearing humor.

Dr Ben Ogletree is survived by his wife Bennie Galloway Ogletree, his son Blake Ogletree, his daughter Dr. Brittany Ogletree Larkin, son in law Jonathan Larkin, granddaughters Ava Larkin and Olivia Larkin, his one surviving brother Paul Ogletree, and many precious extended family members in Mississippi and Texas. Ben fought the good fight, he finished his race, he kept the faith.

A memorial service will be held for Dr. Ben Ogletree at First Baptist Church Columbus, MS on December 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. Visitation begins at 12:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church, Columbus, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Gideons International for the placement of Gods Word in memory of Dr. Benjamin Ogletree.