Mr. Benjamin "Ben/Benny Boy" Franklin Elder was the eldest of four children born to the late Frank Webb and Sophie G. Jones Elder in Watkinsville, Georgia on May 21, 1942.

As a youth, he joined Oak Hill Baptist Church, Oconee County, Georgia. He attended Ed Stroud Elementary and High School, where he graduated in 1963. Ben was employed by Athens Janitorial Service until his retirement.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a sister, Leita M. Elder.

He is survived by a daughter, Vesta Elaine (Lorenza) Davis; stepdaughter, Telisa Nunnally; grandsons, Jaquez Elder and Malik Smith; siblings, Marjorie J. Haynes, John H. Elder and Gloria J. Elder; aunts, Mamie Elder, Annie L. (William) Sewell and Lessie (Alvergis) Gantt; best friend, John (J.T.) Holt; nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends.