Ben P. Harrelson: Loris

    Ben P. Harrelson of Loris passed away Sunday, Aug. 31 at Brightwater Retirement Community in Myrtle Beach following an illness. He was 89.
    Born on Oct. 10, 1924 in Loris he was the son of Mr. Ulysses Scarborough Harrelson and Mrs. Effie Gertrude Hardee Harrelson.
    Throughout his life Mr. Harrelson served his community with distinction as the Magistrate in Green Sea for 32 years, he served on the U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency County Committee, the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals and as a community board member for the National Bank Of South Carolina. Mr. Ben, as he was affectionately known, was one of the longest serving board members and past president of Horry Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustee’s representing District 5 with almost thirty-three years of service. He was also a retired farmer, insurance agent, a Past Master of Loris Lodge # 205 AFM where he received his fifty year membership certificate and a longtime faithful member and Deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
    Survivors include his three sons, Benjamin P. Harrelson Jr. and wife, Gail of Conway, Jimmy Michael Harrelson and Mary Cooke of Florence, and Monte Lewis Harrelson of Green Sea and Amy Howie; four grandchildren, Brett, Scott, Chad and Kyle and five great-grandchildren, Brooke, Olivia, Ryan, Brady and Hammond.
    In addition to his parents, Mr. Harrelson was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Isla Mae Currie Harrelson and his three sisters, Genevieve Floyd, Sibyl H. Todd and Nancy Horne.
    The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Miss Katherine and the staff at Loris Extended Care Facility, Mrs. Kayla and the staff at Brightwater Retirement Community and Dr. Gwyn McCutchen for their compassionate care.
    Visitation was planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Hardwick Funeral Home in Loris.
    Funeral services were planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept 3 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Pastor David Watts and Reverend Bill Thompson officiating. Committal services, with Masonic Rites conferred by Loris Lodge #205 AFM, were to follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
    Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2610 Mt. Zion Church Road, Loris, SC 29569.
    A guest register is available here.