Benny Franklin Garren, Jr.

Benny Franklin Garren, Jr. "Gentle Ben", 84, of Candler, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, with family and friends at his bedside. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe Co., Benny was a son of the late Benjamin and Avis Patton Garren. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Taylor Garren, sisters, Bertha G. Burkhart Margaret G. Penland (Sam), and brother-in-law Lee Taylor (Margaret). Benny retired after 35 years of service for ABF Trucking as a diesel mechanic. His hobbies were working in the yard, woodworking, bowling, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and friends, as well as his beloved pet Lizzie. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his two sons, Wayne Garren, and Charles Garren (Angela); daughter, Teresa G. Fitch (Jerry); seven grandchildren, David Garren (Brandy), Misti Garren, Stephanie G. Lefevre (Nate), Stacy Garren, Samantha F. Moore (Chris), Candace Fitch, and Stephen Garren; seven great-grandchildren, Justin, Sabrina, Selene, Aliyah, Addison, Austin, and Shelby; brothers-in-law, Roy (Helen) and Marvin (Becky); sisters-in-law, Rosie and Barbara (Neil); and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Garren will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Brown's View United Methodist Church with Eva Farren, Pastor Rolf Woodard, and Pastor Sallyanne McVay officiating. Interment will follow in the church's cemetery. His family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Groce Funeral Home, Patton Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Bldg 1, Asheville, NC 28801, or to the Brown's View Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary Lee Allen, 21 Bennett Rd., Candler, NC 28715.