Ben Lucas

Mr. Lucas was born July 22, 1921 in Chesterfield, South Carolina, son the late Gladys Elizabeth Pritchard Lucas and William Thomas Lucas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Smith Lucas in 1969.

Ben Lucas began his radio career in 1936 at WRDW in Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Lucas also worked in Columbus at WRBL and WDAK. Moving to Rome in 1947, Lucas became Rome’s first DJ and was known by many as the “Voice of Rome.” While at WRGA, Lucas created such shows as “The Talk of the Town”, “Dialing for Dollars”, “Ole Timer”, and “Dining with Ben”. In 1961, Lucas began his association with WROM AM & FM where he served as Sales Manager and Station Manager until 1970.

In 1967 Lucas embarked on a career in real estate as a residential agent eventually moving into the commercial end of real estate. A commercial real estate agent with Toles, Temple and Wright, he has been an important part in the growth of Rome and Floyd County working with others in creating new residential living areas, shopping centers, franchise restaurants, Mount Berry Square Mall, and industrial development that brought in hundreds of needed jobs to this area. He served as President of the Rome Board of Realtors, was named Realtor of the Year in 1973 and was inducted into the Rome Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in 1995. Lucas was honored as one of the recipients of Redmond Regional’s 2003 Heart of the Community award. His love of community was the impetus creating his desire to serve its citizens. Lucas was elected to the Rome City Commission serving for six years as Chairman from 1969 to 1974. He was a member of the Georgia Municipal Association and was elected first vice-president of its 7th District Unit. Previously, he was one of the founding members of Georgia State Bank, now Regions Bank, and served on the Board of Directors. He also served twice on the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of the Hospital Authority of Floyd County and the Board of Floyd Healthcare Management Inc. for three years. He served as Chairman of the Floyd County Juvenile Advisory Committee from 1964 to 1970 and Chairman of the Urban Development and Housing Committee. Lucas was instrumental in developing Rome’s American Heart Association office and served in numerous capacities for 17 years including, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Heart Fund Special Gift Division. For his distinguished service in the Heart Association, he was awarded their Meritorious Bronze plaque. He is a past member of the Rome Youth for Christ Board, Real Estate Brokerage Council of the Realtors National Marketing Institute, Tennessee River Valley Association Board of Directors, Rome Clean Community Commission, Rome Recreation Committee, former Chairman of Rome’s Goodwill Industries, a member of Rome Floyd County Development Authority and was a member of the Shorter College Board of Trustees in 1988. He was also a member of the Rome Kiwanis Club for over 40 years where he served as President, Vice-President and a member of the Club’s Board of Directors. He also served as Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Club International Division 11. Lucas served as a member of the 209th Armed Forces radio unit. He was an honorary member of the Rome Jaycees and the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. Additionally, he worked with other Romans in developing the Rome Track Club. Lucas was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church where he has served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Building Campaign, personnel committee, finance committee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Lucas; six children, LuAnne Vaughan (Frank) of Hixson, TN, Ben Lucas Jr. (June) of Kennesaw, GA, Jesse Lucas of Rochester, NY, Smith Lucas (Becky) of Rome, GA, Jim Lucas (Sharon) of Savannah, GA and Michele Knowles (John) of Rome, GA; ten grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Lucas were held on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 2 PM in Fellowship Baptist Church, 314 Burnett Ferry Road, Rome, GA with Dr. Dale LeVan and Mr. Jim Lucas officiating. The family received friends on Saturday, August 1, 2015 from 5 PM until 7 PM at Fellowship Baptist Church.

Flowers were accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Ben's memory to, Savannah Baptist Center Church, 101 Willow Drive, Guyton, GA, 31312 or Fellowship Baptist Church, 314 Burnett Ferry Rd., Rome, GA 30165.

Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements for Mr. Benjamin Pritchard Lucas Sr.