Benjamin Franklin Brigman

With heavy hearts and profound love, we celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin Brigman Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on March 30, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, Ben was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, endless generosity, and a fierce passion for his family. He believed in working hard, loving deeply, and leaving every person and place better than he found it. His life was a true testament to kindness, humility, and grace—mixed with a whole lot of love and fun.

As a husband and father, he was the anchor and guide for his beloved wife Linda and their children, Ben Jr. and Michelle. Linda will forever cherish their loving moments together, planning and dreaming of ways they could bless the people around them. His children, Ben and Shelli, will always remember his steady wisdom, his resilience in never giving up, and the laughter that filled even the simplest of days. He taught them the value of honesty, the beauty of humility, and the power of compassion. Every word of encouragement, every lesson, and every embrace will continue to shape their lives.

His siblings and extended family knew him as “Buddy,” a nickname proudly given by his big sister, Betty Ann Ayers, who will always remember him as her little Buddy. His brother Joe and wife Flo stood faithfully by his side, while his youngest brother J.W. and wife Marilyn kept close in love and support. Nieces and nephews—Marie, Billy, Julie, Tim, Connie, Cindy, Joseph Jr., and Tracy—will forever hold fond memories of their “Uncle Buddy.”

Later in life, he became “Poppy” to all. His grandchildren—Shea, Ryan, Kali, Jordan, and Ryli—were the absolute lights of his life. His heart overflowed with pride and joy as he encouraged them to chase every dream, big or small. With his generous spirit, he also opened his Poppy heart to many others: Makenzie, Alina, Kahlani, Leander, Rianna, Kaimani, Joseph and Will, each of whom carried a special place in his heart.

He was overjoyed to welcome Dylan and Chris into the family, and his heart grew even more with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Kleo, Klayton, and Rhett. To Poppy, they represented the future—whether president, ballplayer, or scientist —and he never missed an opportunity to boast of their talents and promise.

Beyond family, Ben touched countless lives through his career and community. Always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement, he gave of himself freely and wholeheartedly.

He had a gift for storytelling and a laugh that could fill a room. He found joy in simple pleasures—family dinners (with a margarita on the side), cheering on the kids in all their activities, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grands, who were his greatest treasures. His legacy of love and strength will live on in each of us and in all who were blessed to know him.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Linda Brigman; his children, Ben Jr. & Liz Brigman and Michelle Smith; his grandchildren, Shea & Chris Jones, Ryan Brigman, Kali & Dylan Kirk, Jordan Brigman, and Ryli Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Kleo and Klayton Kirk, and Rhett Jones. He also leaves behind grandchildren in heart, Mackenzie Clark, Alina, Cole & Kahlani Hollis, Leander & Kaimani Spears, Rianna Harris, Joseph Korth and Will Uben. His siblings, Betty Ann Ayers, Joe & Flo Brigman, and J.W. & Marilyn Brigman will carry forward his memory with gratitude and love.

A celebration of Ben’s life—known fondly as Buddy and Poppy—will be held in the coming months. All who knew and loved him are welcome to gather in remembrance. The family will share details once plans are finalized.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing that his spirit is free and his love remains with us. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his presence will be missed beyond measure.