Benjamin Riden, Sr.

Mr. Benjamin Malcom Riden, Sr. passed peacefully into eternal rest at home as he wished, early Sunday morning, June 2nd, 2024. Ben, as he was known all of his life, was born and raised in Morgan County, and always called the land on Riden Road and Riden Cut - off Road home. 

Ben Riden was born on November 17, 1934 to Claude Clement Riden and Willie Allene (Malcom) Riden. He was born at home, the youngest of five children. He and his siblings grew up on a working farm, and spent long hours working the fields, tending to the animals, and managing the gardens. In his younger years, Ben went to lower schools in Bostwick, but Ben went to high school in Madison, graduating from the high school in 1951.  

On May 29, 1954, Ben married Evelyn Peters of Monroe, Georgia and moved her to be near his family on Riden Road. Here Ben and Evelyn would build a home, a family, and a marriage. Their marriage would be a strong one, lasting 68 years. In those 68 years, they traveled to the beach (a July tradition for years), and the mountains (they loved the penny slots at Harrah’s!). Ben and Evelyn did almost everything together. 

Ben attended Bostwick United Methodist Church, and he was a member of the Wellington Masonic Lodge #467  in Bostwick. He held the title of Worshipful Master at this Lodge several times over the years after becoming a member in 1964.He received three degrees during his first year as a Mason: 1st Entered Apprentice, 2nd Fellow Craft, 3rd Master Mason.He loved his work as a Mason, and he enjoyed representing this organization, especially at the 4th of July BBQ every year.  He also was a member of the Knights Templar,Yaarab Shriner, and a member of the Scottish Rite. He took great pride in his work with all of these organizations, and continued his support until his death. 

Ben worked for Schnadig International Corporation, a furniture manufacturer out of Pennsylvania with a plant in Madison for years until the plant closed. He was the Transportation Supervisor and kept the shipments running like clockwork all over the country. After leaving this position when the plant closed, he became an invaluable member of a security team for AL Williams and Trust Security. He retired as Head of Security at Denon Digital..

Ben is survived by his children: Ben Riden Jr, (Terri), Angela Stapleton (Ray), Krystal Shields (John); grandchildren: Matt Riden (Lindsay), Garrett Riden (Cayla), Drew Stapleton (Bridgett), Kayleigh Phagan (Alex); and great-grandchildren: Gaines and Malcom Riden, Peyton and Kensley Riden, Grayson Stapleton, Elizabeth, Bryson, and Lily Phagan; sister in law Mary Ruth Peters, nieces and nephews, and caregivers: Patsy Jones, Gloria Jackson, Tanisha Evans, Mary McCoy, and Ann Burke.  Ben is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, his beloved wife Evelyn, and his grandson Seth.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at A. E. Carter’s Funeral Home at 1:00 PM. Services will be held at 2:00 PM in the chapel. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM in Bostwick at the Bostwick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seth Stapleton Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Ben Riden Sr., the Wellington Masonic Lodge #467 in Bostwick, GA, or Bostwick United Methodist Church

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