Benny Earl "Ben" Harnage

Harnage- Benny "Ben" Earl Harnage, age 79, of Glen St. Mary, Florida passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on September 4, 1945, to the late Guy Edson Harnage and Edna Mae Murray Harnage. Ben was raised in Jacksonville and graduated from Westconnett High School. Shortly after graduating, in September of 1962, Ben served our country with great honor in the United States Army. He proudly served for 3 years and was honorably discharged in 1965. Ben had a strong work ethic and was very successful as a Heavy Equipment Operator. When not working, Ben was tending to his horses and his farm. From the time he could walk, he had a deep love for horses and desire to be outdoors. He was a skilled farrier who spent decades shaping iron and trimming hooves. Ben had an amazing gift with animals, and he considered this his calling. He was a true cowboy through and through. Ben was also passionate about his family and was an amazing friend. He loved singing karaoke, was known for his jokester personality, always lighting up the room with laughter. In 1984, Ben relocated to Baker County where he made many lasting friendships and thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Moose Lodge and VFW. More than anything, Ben cherished time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Jo Harnage; and son, Benny Earl Harnage, Jr.

Ben is survived by his children, Dawn (Ed) Beck of Jacksonville, FL, Benny Earl (Tracey) Collison of Jacksonville, FL, Amy (Jeff) Rogers of Middleburg, FL, Mary Ann Carter of Washington, Jennifer Gail (Rusty) Padgett of Glen St. Mary, FL, Jamey (Daryl) Harnage of Jacksonville, FL, and Justin (Christina) Harnage of Glen St. Mary, FL; brother, Nolan Harnage of North Carolina; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Ben's Life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel with Pastor Larry Maginley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.