Bernardo Reyes

Ben was born on April 14, 1939, in Palauig, Zambales, Philippines where he graduated from Palauig Academy before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. Shortly after enlisting, Ben became pen pals with a schoolteacher from Manila. Their written correspondence lasted 2 years before Ben asked Remy to marry him in 1969. Together they moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was stationed and began raising their family. Ben retired from the United States Coast Guard in 1990, after 22 years of dedicated service.

Ben’s love of fishing, shrimping and crabbing started at an early age, as he enjoyed diving in the ocean as a young boy. He spent many mornings tending to his garden, was always proud to show it off and share his bounty with everyone he knew. Ben enjoyed cooking and sharing his culinary knowledge. If those who cooked for him had any hesitation about the food they prepared, at the drop of a hat, he would comment, “Good for a hungry man.” He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 56 years, dad and Lolo, always offering advice to his children and grandchildren, supporting them through all their activities and being their “Number One Fan.” He was never short of an “I love you, too.” Everyone who met Ben would tell you he always had a story to tell. It may have been the fifth time he had told a story, but his delivery would draw you in, again and again. His stories made people laugh and, in those moments, his laugh became contagious.

Ben is survived by his wife, Remedios; his children, Jennifer (Nate) Timmerman of Goose Creek, SC; Jocelyn (Paul) White of Mt. Airy, MD; and Jonathan (Rick) Reyes of Fisherville, KY; and granddaughters, Liliana and Pia Elise of Mt. Airy, MD. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Roman and Eusebia Reyes; his two sisters and brother; and his son, Reynard Lampa Reyes (2000).

Public visitation for Ben will take place on Sunday, October 26 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Carolina Funeral Home & Gardens, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. A funeral mass will take place Monday, October 27 at 10:00AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 Saint James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, followed by a burial at Carolina Funeral Home & Gardens. Family and friends are invited to join the Reyes family for a reception after the burial at Immaculate Conception Community Center.

The staff at Carolina Funeral Home & Gardens encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Bernardo Fariñas Reyes through the ”Add A Memory” link below.

If you would like to send a floral condolence to the Reyes family in memory of Benardo Fariñas Reyes, flowers can be sent to Carolina Funeral Home & Gardens.