Benjamin Allen Eidson

Surrounded by the love of his family, Benjamin Allen Eidson, 79, went peacefully on February 16, 2010. Born February 23, 1930, in Rock Hill, SC, he was the son of the late James Arthur Eidson and "Mimi" Rose Eidson.

Benjamin graduated from Charleston High School and was an active member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason of the Shandon Lodge 370 A.F.M. and a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.

With a business degree from the University of South Carolina, Benjamin's passion was serving as an initial developer for Fripp Island Resort. In life, he said his fondest memories were associated with the friendships he forged during this time and one of his proudest achievements was the completion of the bridge connecting Fripp Island and Hunting Island, SC.

In his latter years, his greatest joys were spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, watching Gamecock sports and gathering every Tuesday morning with friends.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 57 years, Evelyn Charpia Eidson; his children, Russell Allen Eidson and his wife Jeannie, Pamela Eidson Price and her husband Robert; and his much treasured grandchildren, Robert Howell Price IV and Benjamin Eugene Eidson, all of Columbia, SC. Also cherished by him are a brother, James Eidson Jr.; in-laws, Harold Neff, Matthew and Louise Charpia, Donald and Louise Stalvey, Harold and Joan Charpia, John and Virginia Lewis; his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and "twin" cousin, Edith Worthy. He was predeceased by his sisters, Juanita Eidson and Ellenor Neff and sister-in-law Doris Eidson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2010, in Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to www.mem.com. The family has entrusted Greenlawn Funeral Home with the arrangements.