Wilbert A. Benjamin II

Wilbert was born November 14, 1974, in Fort Pierce, FL to Edna McDowell and the late Wilbert A. Benjamin Sr. He graduated from Lincoln Park Academy High School where he excelled in Basketball. He moved to Tallahassee, FL to be with his sister Shonnie and later relocated to Tampa, FL where he worked as a head cook for several restaurants including Perkins for many years, Wing Stop and then Waffle House until his illness. He was currently enrolled in Culinary School part time. He has always been a die-hard fan of the Washington Red Skins (he never liked the name Commanders), FSU Seminoles, Boston Celtics and Tampa Bay Rays. He was a little league football coach for the Miami Dolphins and the West Tampa Spartans. His other past time favorites were cooking, fishing, dancing, playing with his grandson and snitching on his sister.

Wilbert loved his entire family, especially his 2 daughters. He was very adamant about holding his grandboy, as he called him, before his passing. His nephew RJ was the son he never had, and his niece Nelly Nel was his little nerd. His mom and sister meant the world to him. He was happy that he was able to be with family one last time before taking ill.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Wilbert A. Benjamin, Sr. (Ft. Pierce) Grandparents, Thomas McDowell (Lynchburg, SC), Elaine McDowell Thompson (Ft. Pierce), Reubin Benjamin and Ellen Phillips (Ft. Pierce), Great-Grandparents: Albert Thompson and Charlotte “Hun” Navarro (Ft. Pierce) Uncles William McDowell and DJ Gamble both of Ft. Pierce.

Left to cherish his memories are Daughters: Patrecea “Deann” Thompkins (Ft. Pierce) and Wilasia Benjamin (Tallahassee), Mother: Edna McCants (Tampa), Sisters: Wilshauton Benjamin (Tampa), Renee Bowles and Wolanda Benjamin (Ft. Pierce), Brothers: Winfred Benjamin (Atlanta), Orion McCants Jr (Johvanna) and Marcus McCants (Kim) both of Tampa, FL. Grandchild Kharter Mathis (Tampa), Nephews: Reginald “RJ” Brown II, Winfred Benjamin Jr., Julious Bailey, Chance Benjamin, Ty Baker, Jack Henmy IV, Desja Henmy, Desjohn Henmy, Eddie Bowles III, Malcolm McCants and Marcus McCants. Nieces: Shanel Brown, Kiara Benjamin, Maloni Benjamin, Edreshia Bowles, Kendall McCants and Ryan McCants. Great Niece: Jade Brown Closest Friends: Shantell Ingram, Pat Rowe and Bryant Wilburn Closest Aunts: Sandra Vargas and Phyllis Bolden. Leave to cherish his memories: A host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.