Benjamin F. Dockery

Command Sergeant Major, Retired

Benjamin Franklin Dockery, III departed this life on Friday, October 7, 2011 at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA. He was born April 27, 1931, in Memphis, TN to the late Benjamin and Donzella Goodman Dockery, Jr. To this union eight children were born. Five siblings, all of Memphis, TN, Mildred Dillahunt, Hazel Kerns, Freddie Mae Hill, Erma B. Dockery, and Margaret Dockery preceded him in death.

Benjamin Dockery received his formal education through the Memphis Tennessee Public Schools, culminating in graduation from Geeter High School in 1948. After graduating high school, he proudly began serving thirty distinguished, dedicated and meritorious faithful years in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer. His thirty years of service to his country included service in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Throughout his military career, he received numerous medals and awards, including the bronze star in recognition of his dedicated service and achievement of the highest enlisted rank possible, that of Command Sergeant Major. After retiring from the military he received an Associate’s Degree with Honors from Monterey Peninsula College in General Business in June 1988. He received another Associate’s degree with Honors in Real Estate also from Monterey Peninsula College in June 1990.

On March 31, 1950, he united in holy matrimony with Anna Jackson, his most loving and devoted wife of sixty years, whom he leaves to cherish his memories. To this union, three sons; Julius (Memphis, TN), Keith and wife Marian (Atlanta, GA),Benjamin, IV, (Seaside, CA) and three daughters, Wanda (Glen Allen, VA) Alva (Seaside, CA) and Elfreda (Chicago, IL) were born. Benjamin is also survived by two of his seven siblings, Dorothy Owens and husband Freddy (Mt. Holly, NJ) and Earl(Memphis, TN).

Benjamin is also survived by five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, 14 nieces and nephews, a host of great nieces and nephews and a plethora of extended family members and friends. One nephew preceded him in death.

Friends may visit starting at 9:30am, Friday, October 14th with funeral service starting at 12 noon also at Bayside Community Mortuary, 1610 Noche Buena St., Seaside. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Mission Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Bayside Community Mortuary, Seaside, CA.