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Bennie Everington Obituary
He was a lifelong member of Antioch Free Will Baptist Church and he attended St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church, where he served as pianist for 14 years. Bennie had a passion for music and he has been a pianist his entire life. He was a member of The Four In Christ Quartet for 37 years and was employed by BSH Home Appliances for 30 years.
Bennie is survived by his wife, Holly Lamm Everington; one son, Bradley Graham Everington and wife Mandy; one daughter, Natalie Everington Engelman and husband Brent; his brother, Ronnie Everington and wife Sadie; three grandchildren, Brayden Reece Everington, Lance Evan and Elliana Grace Engelman; his aunt and uncle, Leonard and Julia Gatlin and his cousin Shelia Warren, all of New Bern and several other family members.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church. Reverend Lyn Renfrow, Reverend Bryant Hines Jr., and Reverend Buddy Sasser will officiate the service. Following the service, burial will be at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at St. Mary's Free Will Baptist.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Four In Christ Quartet, 221 Mill Creek Lane, New Bern, NC 28560, or The Second Edition Quartet, 281 Mill Creek Lane, New Bern, NC 28560.
Online condolences may be made to the Everington family at cottenfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bennie Everington
James Tascione
September 21, 2010
"Holly, Ronnie, Brad,Natalie and all the family, I have worked with Bennie for 13 years at B/S/H/ and he was my best friend at work. I am only 33 years old so Bennie was like a father or uncle to me and I loved him as so. He has helped me grow closer to God and closer to my own family. I have never met you all but Holly all the trips you and Bennie would take I heard all about them,inturn made me want to take my wife to some of the same places you and Bennie went. We stay at the Sea-mist in Myrtle beach everytime we go now. LOL. Brad I we are very close in age and I feel like I have known you for years because of all the talks we had about you and the stories we shared about our familes. He was extreamily proud of youand loved his grand kids to no end. I wish I could hug you.Natalie, The same goes for you I have never met you but I feel like I have known you for years. Bennie was extreamily proud of you and loved the grand kids so much.
I love you all and pray for your hearts to heal. I loved Bennie as a father and I know how bad it hurt me to hear this news so I can only amagin how hard it is for you all. The service was beautiful and God Bless you all
James Tascione
Debbie Register
September 20, 2010
Holly, Ronnie, Brad,Natalie and all the family. How do we understand this..ONly with Gods help and peace. Thank God for our memories and His love for us to NEVER leave us alone..Bennie will be missed greatly but never forgotten...Love you all..
Debbie Register
Stephanie Farley
September 18, 2010
I just heard of this tragedy since I am overseas. I use to work with Bennie. I know he will be missed. He often talked about his family and he was a nice guy. We are so sorry for your loss. We send you our deepest condolences.
Stephanie Ipock
Ruth Everington Starnes
September 17, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of Benny Ray. The family is in my prayers.
Teresa Starnes Murray
September 17, 2010
Benny and I lost contact after my family moved to Alabama many years ago, but we recently caught up again on Facebook. I remember Benny chasing us around the playground at Bridgeton Elementary pretending to be a "bull" he was such a nice guy then and when we talked on facebook I could tell that he grew into a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rev Ernest Laxton Jr.
September 15, 2010
I am praying for the family and the Four In Christ. My heart began to hurt when I heard the news of Bennie's passing. He will be greatly missed.
September 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bennie's family, friends and the Four in Christ. Bennie was a very special person with an infectious smile. He could light up a room when he walked in. His talent on the piano was something to be admired.
May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead as you adjust to life without your precious husband, dad, and friend.
It was an honor and a priviledge to have known him.
Christy Paul
September 15, 2010
You are in the prayers of many people in Down East Carteret County who feel your pain & share your loss.
Vicky Quidley Gladson
September 15, 2010
To all of the Everington family,
I was so saddened to hear of Benny's death. Benny has always had a smile & enthusiasm to brighten any one days, not to mention his love of the LORD. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you in the days ahead to give you the guidance & comfort that you so deserve. You all must have so many precious memories to hold close to your heart. Always reflect on these great memories, they will help you heal & bring you comfort. May God bless you all.
Angie Hollowell Pridgen
September 15, 2010
Brad,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. In reading the guestbook, he sounds like an awesome man and one that made you the awesome man you are. May his legacy continue to live through you and be heard by the beautiful music you play. You and your family are in my prayers. Seek comfort in knowing he is playing for Jesus now!
Linda Walker
September 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Debbie Gaskill
September 14, 2010
Bennie Tay was the kind of man that just made you smile when he walked in a room. I am such a blessed person to have know his friendship for 30 yrs. I remember when I was a teenager I couldn't wait to get as close up front as I could during a service so I could watch his hands on the piano keys. He was such an inspiration to all who knew him. Our deepest sympathies to the family and all the four boys who will miss him dearly... Another angel has gone home... Love and prayers!!!!Debbie Gaskill
Betty Garren
September 14, 2010
Bennie Ray: You came to me when you were in the 7th grade and said, "Miss Betty, will you teach me how to play the piano?"
I did just that but I know I was only a mentor for God, for He gave you the talent. I have always been so proud of you when you sat down at the piano and played. My greatest joy was when we played songs together. Your recital song was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." I remember it well and I still have the very sheet music from which you played! What an amazing talent! The last song we played together was "Jesus Is Coming Soon." We never know when our life on earth will end, so we must be ready. I love you, Bennie Ray. I know you will be playing a piano in heaven, and I will see you there. "Miss Betty" (Dr. Betty Garren, University of South Carolina, Beaufort, SC.)
Pastor Jim Skinner
September 14, 2010
Thank God for the Everington Family! I worked side by side with Bennie for many years in the tobacco fields of the Tripp Farm. He was my friend and became as a brother. His commitment to the Lord and His work were an inspiration to me. His dear mother "Bobbie" helped lead me to the Lord. This family received me as an adopted son and gave me place and welcome at a crucial time in my life. For This I am eternally grateful. My heart is deeply saddened and breaks for the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Tammy Hill
September 14, 2010
Your dad was an inspiration to many people. It didn't matter if it was through the things he said to people, the smile in just passing or in music; he touched many lives. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. May each of you find comfort in knowing that he loved you all dearly and will forever be watching over you as you travel your life's journey. God Bless you all.
Tammy Whaley Hill
September 14, 2010
Brad & Natalie,
Your dad was a very dear young man and you will always remember his love. As God walks with you through these hours, my prayers are with you.
Ada Lou Purifoy, Wilmington, NC and Sandra Lou Purifoy-Wells & LouSandra , Leland, NC
September 14, 2010
Holly,
A note to say your grief is shared with the sudden loss of your love one. As God walks with you through these hours , my prayers are with you also.
Ada Lou Purifoy, Wilmington, NC
Lynda Gaskill
September 14, 2010
September 12,2010
Bennie Ray,was a dear friend to me for many years. Each time the 4 would come to Free Union Free Will Baptist Church in Sea Level, NC we would have the best time playing and singing around the piano after the service. One of my fondest memories of Benny Ray was one time he had slipt in the back and got something to eat during the offering and came back and layed his tooth pick on my piano. When I returned to play the piano for the congregation I found it and gave him the What For. He laughed and thought that was the funnest thing to get me all worked up. After that we made a big joke about it and for the next 30 yrs. he would always ask me if I had a tooth pick he could use after we would eat. He was one of the most Loving,Caring,Talented and Giving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am very Humbled and Honored to have had him and his children as my friends. You will always hold a very special place in my HEART dear one. May God Bless your Children, Holly, Family and the Rest of the Four at this time. You will be soarly missed. Your Friend, "MARFFA".
Susan Oliver
September 14, 2010
Bennie was a wonderful person. I never saw him that he didn't treat me like family, I loved that about him....he was always the same every time I saw him. He will be greatly missed! Much love to the family.
Melrose Carter
September 14, 2010
Brad & Natalie, I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and have you in my prayers. Miss seeing you as often as I did when I was at the credit union but still hold you dear.
Cheryl and Harry Kent
September 14, 2010
Dear Ones,
May the blessings of God be upon you. May His peace be with you. May His presence illuminate your hearts now and forever more.
Lucinda Autry-Wynne
September 14, 2010
To the Everington Family - I remember Bennie as being such a happy and funny man! That time at Leslie and Milton's home on Thanksgiving about 3-4 yrs. ago is my fondest memory of him. He made me laugh so much and being around him was always a pleasure. Everytime I was around him I knew I was in a Christians presence. I have to give credit to Bennie for raising such wonderful children, Brad & Natalie, of whom are both dear friends of mine. They are people of character that I love dearly so thank you, Bennie for Brad's amazing piano & singing talent b/c he will continue your legacy of music! And to Natalie for her true heart for God and others. Thank you, Bennie & Cheryl for doing such a great job!
I do not understand why God would allow such a Man of God to pass in this fashion and I have thought about it every day and cried about it and prayed about it in such confusion but one thing I do know is that He is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and that His grace is sufficient. When we are weak, He is strong. I pray that many will come to a saving knowledge of Christ b/c of Bennie's passing.
May God Bless the Everington family.
Bennie, you will certainly be missed!
With heartfelt sympany,
Lucinda
Donnie Avery
September 14, 2010
I will truely miss my friend.His bright smile when i would step on that bus would light up a dark room.I will always love and miss Daddy Rabbit(Benneth).See you in heaven some sweet day my friend.
MANDY EVERINGTON
September 13, 2010
Bennie, You are truly a great Father n law a girl could ever ask for. You will never be forgotten. We have so many great memories for that. You waking me, me screaming and you laughing so hard from your belly. you trying to look at my chart in the hospital(getting in trouble), and one of the dearest to me was you taking Brayden over to the horse or mule every year at the state fair. Also every time you were here at the house you wanted to look at new scrapbook pages. I said motorcycle, I said car with Brayden. You are the best father n law a girl could ever ask for. You will be missed but never forgotten. I will see you everyday in Brayden (a mini you). Give our babies a hug and kiss for us. Tell Jesus THANK YOU for me for all He done for us so that we will see again. Always look out for us down here on earth. WE LOVE YOU...........
marvin boyd
September 13, 2010
bennie will be missed by all.
Mandy verington
September 13, 2010
My best memories have always been with you in them. You scaring me, me screaming and you laughing so hard from the belly, always taking Brayden to see that horse or mule at the state fair, I said motorcycle, I said Car. You just calling for no reason just to call, coming by to see Brayden and rolling on floor with him, the biggest was always wanting to see my new scrapbook pages. You will forever be loved and missed but never forgotten. I love you. You are the best father n law a girl could ever ask for. No matter what we could always talk and pick on one another. Be with your 2 grandchildren up there in heaven for me. Tell them I love them, hug and kiss them. Thank you for all you did for even me. keep an eye on us down her as well.. We will see you again and that is what is keeping us going. Again I love you..... GRANDADDY
September 13, 2010
Bennie Ray, I,ll never forget you and I'll never forget how you helped me pick out the song Amazing Grace for my first solo in Church and when I started to strugle you came up with a key change to get me through. Your easy smile and kind words of encourgement will be missed by all.
Holly, Brad, Natalie and the rest of your family and friends our prayers are with you .
Larry and Neta Conley
Kaye Smith
September 13, 2010
we have the whole Everington family in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you all.
Becky Ormond
September 13, 2010
Words cannot describe. He was a great friend and I will never forget the good times we had. I remember the song at my wedding, and how we have joked about it all these years! I am sure Bennie has met up with Greg A.. And I'm sure that Greg has slapped Bennie on his back and asked Bennie if he still had his "car"! Memories I will forever cherish. Love and prayers to you all.
Diane Smith-Dees
September 13, 2010
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I thank him as we all do for the priveledge of knowing such a fine man. I was blessed every Sunday he played, and doubly blessed when he accompanied you, Holly. My deepest sympathy to you all for your loss, you are in my prayers.
The Pledger's
September 13, 2010
We will always remember Bennie's smiles and his hearty laugh. His music will play on in our hearts forever. May God's blessings continue to surround his family.
Brenda Salter
September 13, 2010
You are loved and missed more then you will ever know. I will always remember your smiling face and the questions that you seemed to come up with. Not able to make tomatoes with remember you.
Ferndinand & Crystal
September 13, 2010
We have worked with Bennie for 11 yrs. His smiling face and gracious ways will be missed. Our condolences go out to the Everington family, you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Steve Sanders
September 13, 2010
Bennie Ray, you will be greatly missed in this world. Continue to play that music in heaven, it was a honor to be a friend.
September 13, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this time.
In Christ,
The Wilson Family
Brian, Amy, Dylan, Abigail and Isaiah
jodie waller
September 13, 2010
will always remember fondly our days in accounting at new bern high..you were always much better at it than i, we joked about me being the boss someday and you working for me...haha..you were one of the good guys then and now...i'll look for you on the streets of gold..jodie williams waller...
Shawn and Michelle Brite
September 13, 2010
I have known you Bennie for 13years, I am going to miss you so much.I laugh about every time you saw me, the first thing you would say is "Whatcha cooking Shawn for supper tonight?" and I would say " whatever my mommas cooking" or Little Ceasers! I just chuckled even typing that; that joke never got old with us. Your smile lit up a room and that is true. Every time I would see you I would say Bennie Baby, and you would just laugh. I'm going to miss that. A few days before you left we talked forever on the floor. You were always the light on a dark day, a face that made me think everything was going to be alright. I miss you... I miss you... I REALLY miss you!!!
September 13, 2010
Brad & Natalie: Words cannot express our deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your father. You are in our prayers & on our hearts. Such a loss is so hard to understand & accept. Be comforted in knowing the legacy that your Dad leaves behind -- WOW -- what a ministry! You'll never know all the lives that were changed because of his faithfulness to Our Father in Heaven. Brad, you've inherited an awesome talent -- continue to use it for the uplifting of Jesus Christ thru your own ministry. We Love You. Ricky & Cindy Dickerson & Family
Gabe Calderon
September 13, 2010
Knowing you was an honor. Listening to your testimony and the work that you've done for the Lord still inspires me. Your talent, smile, and encouraging words will be sorely missed, friend. May our Lord comfort those left behind by this unfortunate tragedy.
Lisa Sprague
September 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.Be consoled in the fact that he is at peace with our father in heaven.
Sarah Jackson
September 13, 2010
I want to extend my sympathy to his family. Bennie talked about his family all the time. You will be missed very much my friend. I'm glad that our paths crossed over the years. I know you are in good hands now!
Chase and Alicia Mattox
September 13, 2010
We will always be thankful for having Bennie as a friend. He was always there to listen and put a smile on your face. He will never be forgotten by our family. -Alicia and Chase Mattox
Carol Armstrong
September 13, 2010
I didn't know Bennie except as a very friendly wave passing through Dishwasher. I want to extend my sympathy to the family. My prayers are with you for God to provide comfort and peace during this time.
Nelda Walker
September 13, 2010
I am so heart broken for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. (Chris Hamilton's Mom)
Herb & Mary Ann Thornton
September 12, 2010
We thank God for the honor of knowing Bennie, such a loving, kind, precious child of the Father. It has been such a privilege to see such a talented man so on fire for the Lord and so willing to use the talents he was give to glorify his Heavenly Father. He was an extraordinary man and the world is a much better place because he was here.
Love and Deepest Sympathy.
Kandy Bayliss
September 12, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for you! Bennie is already looking down upon us all playing that piano and singing God's graces! He will surely be missed! Love to you all!
Jason & Kandy Bayliss
Heavenly Sunrise
September 12, 2010
To The Family of Bennie Our Throughts and prays is with the family
Sandra Elks
September 12, 2010
He will be missed at work. We do not always understand things, but God does. All of you are and will stay in our prayers.
Arlene Lyttle
September 12, 2010
So glad that God allowed me the honor of knowing you and being able to call you my friend. I will miss you.
Marie & Jerry Mastrianni
September 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
Diane and Steve Ipock
September 12, 2010
I have no words to express the sadness I feel in the passing of Bennie. He was a super nice guy and so very talented. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May God comfort you as only He can do!
Rebecca Stewart
September 12, 2010
I worked with Bennie for almost 14 years I will miss him dearly he was a wonderful person to know I will miss his singing to us. My Prayers and thoughts are for the Everington family.
Debbie & Frank Heitlinger
September 12, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He will always and forever lie on in your hearts and may you be in God's healing hands and know he is with you in your time of sorrow as he promised us all he would be.
Roger and Pat Lee
September 12, 2010
We just want you to know that our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad time in your lives. Bennie Ray was a very loving, caring man and his presence will be missed by those who loved and knew him.
April Moore-Coviello
September 12, 2010
Bennie was a wonderful man and it pains me to know he is no longer with us. We worked together for 10 years and everytime I saw him he had a smile on his face. He always had something nice to say and I swear he was never in a bad mood. He will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to his family he left behind.
Gary & Kathy Jarman
September 12, 2010
Words cannot explain the felling of sorrow at the passing of Benny, he has been a family friend and co-worker for 30 years, Benny was special and will be missed by all.
Annette Jones Canady
September 12, 2010
I thank God for the privilege of knowing Bennie Ray. He was a loving, generous man of God. Just seeing his smile would brighten everybody's day. God blessed him with many talents and I am also thankful that he chose to use them to bless all of us and thousands of others. We may never think about the sacrifices that gospel groups and their families make so that they can spread God's word through music, but they give up alot of family time and time they could be doing other things so they can continue their ministry. What a difference they have made in so many of our lives. We will never have the resources to properly thank them, but I know God has a very special reward for them. Each day has the same promise, God will take care of you. When you feel like yours is the only set of footprints in the sand, remember, they are not yours. I love you
Karen Moore
September 12, 2010
On behalf of the class of 1975, I extend our sincere sympathy in the loss of your love one. Know God will bring you through,
Karen M. Moore
Michelle and Sandy Davis
September 12, 2010
Bennie spent so many years touching the lives of many with his talent and his ministry. Words can not express how deeply sorry I am for his loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the Everington family, friends, co-workers, and church family.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
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