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Michael Benjamin Obituary
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at Sand Hills Baptist Church. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be 1 p.m. Sept. 14, 2020 at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola. Arrangements are by Southerland Family Funeral Home.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Benjamin
Sponsored by The News Herald.
45 Entries
Debbie Hanson
July 7, 2022
Dear Benjamin Family,
My sincere condolences to you all. I did not know Mike as well as I knew his brothers and sister. Sorry to send the sympathy concerns so late.
Doug Benjamin
September 2, 2021
Mike-as we approach 1 year since your death, we rejoice in the memories we have as a family. You should be so proud of the accomplishments of your children! We are honored to support them and cheer them on in these challenging times. We're still on watch...
Michael Schepers
January 8, 2021
We served together as chiefs and shared office in staff 1(GE) MCM SQN in Olpenitz, Germany.
I only can describe you as role model for all of us. My thoughts are with your family.
Rest in peace Senior !
Rest in peace shipmate !
Doug Benjamin
September 18, 2020
Mike - what a pillar of optimism and courage! You humbled me with your outlook and attitude. We have the watch over your children - fair winds and following seas, my brother!
Jeff Ishee
September 15, 2020
Jeff Ishee
September 15, 2020
Jeff Ishee
September 15, 2020
I have great admiration for my shipmate Mike Benjamin. We served together as plank-owners aboard USS Hue City and I can testify that he was a fine role model for many young men. Always upbeat, incredibly resourceful, and a smile as big as the sun. Rest in peace, my friend. We assume the watch.
Tom Richardson
September 14, 2020
Mike and I were shipmates on Hue City in Mayport, FL. Mike was always ready to help, teach and train. While that particular crew moved on in life, Mike would be proud of how he influenced each of each of us, whether in our Navy careers, or later in life. My condolences to Mike's family.
Deb Sjostrom (White)
September 11, 2020
So many fond memories with you and your family growing up in Prairie du Chien and visiting in LaCrosse. Our condolences to all the Benjamins and especially to Mike’s family.
Derrick Johnson
September 11, 2020
Mike taught several classes in my area of management and we became good friends. Every time he came to San Diego we’d meet up for lunch and we’d talk family and new projects. He was always positive and realistic in his cancer battle. I am convinced his smiles gave him extra years with us. We need more angels in the world like Mike. His example is a model I continue to strive towards. God has him now, and I know he will provide protection and love for his family. We are blessed by his time with us. - DJ
Vicki Syfrett
September 11, 2020
May God bless all of you in this time of sorrow. I will keep you in my prayers!
Clyde Benjamin
September 11, 2020
The only downside if that we will not be able to be in Panama City for the funeral or in Pensacola for the burial due to my cancer and the corona virus. You are in my heart forever, Mike, and rest in peace. We love you very much. Mom and Dad
Ken Houwers
September 11, 2020
Mike will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a great person with a kind heart and contagious laugh. I always enjoyed his company and the conversations we had about our families. Mike was so proud of all his kids and was constantly talking about them whether it be about football, soccer, or cheer. Mike would figure out how to bring his kids up in every conversation. We could be in a meeting and he would text me about one of them in school or we could be on the ship in San Diego and he would say how much he missed going to sporting events at Bozeman. The kids were what he was most proud of and I know they are very proud of their Dad . He was also very dedicated to the Navy and the work that he was doing. Mike was well respected and known throughout the Navy community. If you needed something "Navy", Mike could make it happen. We're very saddened that Mike has passed, but we know he'll bring joy and laughter to everyone that he crosses paths with. He will be remembered forever!
Ken, Jessica, Matthew, and Elisabeth Houwers
Carra Summers
September 11, 2020
Our family sends our thoughts and prayers to the Benjamin family during this difficult time. My husband, Dan, worked at the base with Mike and my daughter, Morgan, danced with Kristen. Mike always shared a friendly hello when I saw him... May your memories of him and the time you shared comfort you in the following days.
Denise Pugh
September 10, 2020
I remember the fun times with the Whites and the Benjamins. We grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Dad and Ghandi and Beeper were Montana State University friends. That family friendship has carried on for so many years... making so many wonderful memories. We sure loved when Ghandi and Beeper came for a visit over the 4th of July a couple years ago. Growing up we would visit the Benjamins in Lacrosse... Mike was closest in age to my youngest sister Dori. I can’t even image the loss you are feeling right now. Please know our love and prayers are with you all♥♥♥I am so sorry
Shayna Zeleznik
September 10, 2020
My condolences to the entire Benjamin family. Mike was such a positive and uplifting soul. He was always a pleasure to be around. He will be missed immensely.
Becki Daher
September 10, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Benjamin family. I am so sorry for your loss. Although my memories are faint I remember a delightful creative young man when we visited the family in LaCrosse. Reading through these tributes he was very respected and admired. Peace be on all of you. Much Love, Becki
Andy Bustle
September 10, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. A big thank you to Mike and his family for his service to our country and their service as well. I haven't seen Mike since we lived across the street from the Benjamins on Starlite Drive but have many fond memories of Mike and the rest of the Benjamin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and I wish you all peace and better days ahead.
Chris Bustle
September 10, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of one of my favorite Starlite Drive neighbors. His life is a testament to all things Benjamin: honesty, loyalty, bravery, love of country, and dedication to family.
Daniel Below
September 10, 2020
Condolences to the entire Benjamin clan. Went to school with Mike in Navy School 1991. Always had a smile on his face. Anchors aweigh my friend and Godspeed to you...
Richard and Kamala Warren
September 10, 2020
Thank you for your service Mike Benjamin. You were an amazing husband and Dad to your four children and you will be greatly missed. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal". Sending prayers to your family for strength and comfort now and in the many months to follow. Rest in peace.
James Burks
September 10, 2020
Our condolences to the entire Benjamin family. My Shipmate and friend you will be missed. We met (5 years ago) and we talk for a hour about Navy life onboard ships, the bond started then. You will never be forgotten.
James Burks & Family
Judy Creel
September 10, 2020
Mike was one of the best person I have ever known. A wonderful personality, always so pleasant to be around. He was so sick and never complained, encouraged another friend of ours who is also very sick. I will miss you Mike
Julie Silver
September 10, 2020
Condolences to the entire Benjamin clan. Went to school with Mike junior high through high school. Always had a smile on his face and it was very infectious!!! Anchors aweigh my friend and Godspeed to you...
Mrs. Haddock
September 9, 2020
Thanks to Mr. Benjamin for his devotion and service to the Robotics Club and our Deane Bozeman School. You and Kim raised your children with character and purpose. Your influence on them will live on in their lives and the lives of others forever.
Tony Matthews
September 9, 2020
Mike and I had friends in common, like Gabe Chellew and Rick Lilly. Like Mike, I was a sonar tech in the submarine service, though our service periods did not overlap. We worked together at ITT for a couple of years. So much in common led to a friendship. I will remember him as a kind, interesting, and intelligent companion.
John O'Grady
September 9, 2020
He was a true "Shipmate". Always spoke highly about his family and his travels. Just knew everyone and could always point me in the right direction to find out an answer to my question. He will be missed by all he came into contact with. Thank you for your brotherhood
Andy Johns
September 9, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Benjamin family, Mike was a good man and he will be missed! I was shocked to learn of his passing, I never knew he was sick. Every time I talked to him, he was joyful and very proud of his family. Know that he loves you deeply and that he is watching over you now.
Joe Califano
September 9, 2020
I've only met Mike a few times as an associate for a Navy project, but he stood out as a kind and decent person, I would have liked to known him better and called him a friend. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived of such a kind and wonderful soul.
James Dixon
September 9, 2020
It has been my extreme pleasure to know you as a shipmate, friend, and co-worker. The memories will be with me forever. The watch is over my friend. Fair winds and following seas. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Benjamin family.
Thomas M. Cornelius
September 9, 2020
You will always be remembered by your German Navy comrades, Mike! My deepest condolences to your family and friends! Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate!
Dave Crosby
September 9, 2020
So very sorry. I had the pleasure to work with Mike at SAIC. I absolutely enjoyed his perspective on things and loved sharing sea stories with him. A truly great gentlemen and human being. My prayers to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Paul and Terri Kalinowski
September 9, 2020
Heaven gained a Saint. Mike was an amazing guy and a friend to everyone he met. He gave 110% to everything he did. You will be sorely missed my friend, never forgotten. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Lynn Sullivan
September 9, 2020
Hearts are broken! What a beautiful man! His giant smile and positive attitude warmed the hearts of everybody he knew. Mike will be missed by many. Prayers to his family...
Stan Swiess
September 9, 2020
Proud to have served with you, Shipmate. Always cheerful and positive, even under the most challenging of times. I'll miss our talks, your encouragement, and your smile.
My deepest condolences to the Benjamin family.
Benjamin Armstrong
September 9, 2020
Mike was a great man. I will miss our conversations. He loved his family and was so proud of his kids. I loved sharing the life of my children with him as much as he enjoyed sharing his. He will be missed. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him at SAIC and then working with him on other projects when he went back to the Government. My deepest condolences on your loss. You all are in our prayers.
"LP" Pinski
September 9, 2020
We have lost a good friend but we have not lost all the great memories,
Brian Bischoff
September 9, 2020
I worked with Mike for the last 3 years on the ESB program. Mike always had a story and I don't think there is anyone in the Navy that Mike didn't know or served with. Whether we were in Panama City, San Diego, Charleston, or Norfolk Mike knew someone there. We would often exchange good humored jabs between the Navy and the Air Force. He was a good guy and will be greatly missed.
Troy DuGal
September 9, 2020
Until we meet again my friend. You were always loving and caring. Your amazing family is a reflection of who you are. Love you brother.
Kristy Orellana
September 8, 2020
I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Mike at SAIC and I always remember how happy he was each day. He was such a joy to be around and radiated positivity wherever he went. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed. I pray that your wonderful memories of him help carry you through this difficult time.
Ron Stonecypher
September 8, 2020
My deepest condolences to all of you. I will miss our conversations in German at work.
M J
September 8, 2020
Mike was always such a friendly and helpful co-worker. I'll miss hearing him talk with such enthusiasm about his family. I hope they are able to find peace and support at this time.
David Danner
September 8, 2020
Kirsten, from myself and your JBT family, we are sorry to hear about your fathers passing. We are very thankful for his service to our country. As you celebrate his life, may fond memories bring smiles to you and you family amongst the sorrow.
With Sympathy,
David
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
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Memorial Events
for Michael Benjamin
Sep
11
Visitation
1:00 p.m.
FL 32444
Sep
11
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
Sandhills Baptist Church
6758 Hwy 77, Chipley, FL 32444
Sep
14
Graveside service
1:00 p.m.
Barrancas National Cemetery
FL 32444
Funeral services provided by:
Southerland Family Funeral Home100 E. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405
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