Ben Ray Atkinson, 74, of Kingsland died Oct. 10, 2015

Ben Ray Atkinson,74, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away Saturday October 10, 2015, at the VA hospital in Temple. Ben was born November 15, 1940, in Burnet, Texas, to Doris Hallmark and Wilbert Atkinson.

At an early age, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees, serving as a Diesel Construction Mechanic in Mobile Construction Battalions 3 and 10, distinguishing himself in Southeast Asia. Following discharge, Ben worked in the petroleum and chemical industries in Egypt, Libya, Peru, India and Nigeria. Lastly, he worked in support of the United Nations effort, Operation Secure Democracy, in Haiti.

Ben was a life member of VFW Post #10376 in Marble Falls as well as the Disabled American Veterans post in Kingsland.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sonya; sons, John of Norwich, Connecticut, Billy of Kingsland and George of Jackson, Wyoming. He is also survived by three granddaughters: Alia of Norwich, Connecticut, and Lillian Amanda and Holly Michelle, both of Kingsland. Ben leaves behind four brothers: Joe, Roland and John of Southern California and Robert Atkinson of Billings, Montana; and sister, Virginia of Denver, Colorado.

There will be no funeral service. In keeping with Ben’s final wishes, donations in his memory may be made to a local veteran organization or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.