Benny Gite Ludlum

Benny Gite Ludlum, age 85, of Supply, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 30, 1939, to the late Bedford Gite Ludlum and Dorothy Roach Ludlum Lancaster.

Benny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose work ethic and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. After high school he went on to find work on Norfolk Dredging Co. He later returned to Brunswick County to partner with his “brother” Alfonza Roach and developed land and opened their own realty office in Holden Beach. He represented District 2 as county commissioner for many years and opened several businesses in the area that served his community well. Farming was the true love of his life as he eventually moved the family produce business across the road that now is Ludlum’s Produce. Benny poured his heart into his work and his community. He took great pride in running the family business and was known for his reliability, kindness, and the care he put into everything he did.

Outside of work, Benny enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and the occasional joke that reminded everyone of his lighthearted spirit. He also loved sharing his famous boiled peanuts and small crosses with everyone he met - simple gestures that reflected his faith, generosity, and love for people. Benny was a lifelong member of Sharon Methodist Church, where his faith remained central throughout his life. The church’s bell tower holds special meaning for his family, as Benny and Sylvia donated the building of the bell tower and the bell which represents a lasting symbol of faith, community, and family legacy.

Benny is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Ludlum of forty nine years; daughter, Shelly Cheers (Brad); sons, Keith Ludlum (Tammy) and the late Terry Ludlum; grandchildren, Gray Cheers (Madison), Campbell Cheers, Blayden Ludlum, Jordan Canady (Ryan), Chandler Ludlum, and Cameron Ludlum. Great grandchildren, Adalynn, Andrew, and Rylee Hadding. He is also survived by his sisters; Nancy Bollinger (Donald), Frances Lancaster, and Wilma Dee Martindale (Charles). He is also survived by his most precious canine companion, Nasdaq.

A funeral service to honor Benny’s life will be held at Sharon Methodist Church in Supply, with burial to follow in the Sharon Methodist Church Cemetery (2030 Holden Beach Road, Holden Beach, NC 28462). Funeral will be Saturday, October 11th at 3:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service, with Reverend Eddie Hill officiating.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Butler, Doug Anderson, Larry Richardson, Jr., Bertin Gomez, Kelly Holden and Robert J. Robinson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Sellers, Ramie Cushman, Jerry Benton, Wayne Kelly Roach, Alan Holden and Jerome Walker

Donations may be given to Sharon Methodist Church (2030 Holden Beach Road, Supply NC) or Liberty Hospice (PO Box 200 Supply, NC) A special thanks to our hospice family and caregiver, Sue Pendergraft for their love and support during this time.

Benny’s legacy of hard work, devotion to his family, and unwavering faith will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel