Edwin Benton Braswell Jr.

Ben studied interior decorating at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL, and he studied ballroom dance at both Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Charlotte, NC. His career as a dance instructor began in Charlotte with the Arthur Murray Studio and led him to the Arthur Murray Studio in Raleigh, and later to the Fred Astaire Studio in Norfolk, VA.

When he moved to High Point, he combined work at Arthur Murray Studio with furniture supply at the Yarborough Company, and Woodworkers Supply, and in textile fabrics at Eastern Fabrics, and Three Associates. Before becoming an independent ballroom dance instructor, he was associated with M & M Dance Studio in High Point.

During his career Ben served as an instructor of several dance clubs: The Tempo Dance Club, Debon-Aire Dance Club, and the Continental Dance Club. He taught classes at the High Point Senior Citizen’s Center, the YWCA, Elks, Moose, and Davidson County Community College. He taught in offices, churches, fitness centers, country clubs, and in many homes in the High Point area. He was a much loved and sought after mentor and had a strong bond with his students. Ben loved ballroom dance and was dedicated to helping others learn and enjoy the art.

He is survived by his sister, Mae (Styron) Harris, of Johnson City, TN, his beloved niece, Rebecca Benton Harris (Mark) Cody, his twin great-nieces Michaela Benton and Carrie Katherine Cody, all of Concord, NC, and numerous cousins.

The family will meet friends from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, May 8 at Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point.

The funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, May 9 in the Sanctuary of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Erin Beall officiating. Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Love Line Cancer Support Program, High Point Regional Health Foundation, P.O. Box HP-5,
High Point, NC, 27261 or to American Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1288, Lexington, NC 27293.

Arrangements under the direction of Sechrest Funeral Service, High Point, NC.