Remembrance and Celebration – the Life of Elder Benjamin R. Rachel, Sr.
Benjamin R. Rachel ,Sr. was born on June 24, 1944 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Benjamin was the third child of eleven children, the first son of Jacob and Mattie Rachel. Benjamin passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Benjamin was commissioned by God as a baby to “Soul Winning,” as a Bible Workers, Singing Evangelist, Colporteur/Literature Evangelist assisting under the Big Crusade Tent with Elders J. Hinson, Robert Sloan, and J.P. Monk. He was ordained as a local Elder at the age of 16. He worked at restaurants on the beach, Galt Ocean Mile he was a Chauffer driving (Miss Daisy); he also worked as a Colporteur. Benjamin was married to Wilma Lightbourne Rachel;they have two sons: Benjamin R. Rachel Jr. and Christopher G. Rachel, seven brothers, four sisters and three grandchildren. He held many official church positions within the Mt. Olivet SDA Church throughout his life time and served “unofficially” in every capacity needed. He attended Dillard High School. His service was held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Mount Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Ben and his siblings attended Mt. Olivet SDA Junior Academy and he loved to travel.
He leaves to cherish his memories: A loving and devoted wife, Wilma Lightbourne Rachel; two sons: Benjamin R. Rachel, Jr. (Marchelle Weir) and Christopher G. Rachel (Holly Carrell); six brothers: John (Phyllis). Theophilus (Jannie), Alfred, Ralph (Ruby), Tyson (Cheryl) and Tony (Pam); four sisters: Julia McElvy, Martha Rawls (Lewis), Cherry Salley (Willie) and Vera Bartholomew (Samuel); grandchildren: Myles D.W. Rachel, Keava S. W. Rachel, Naomi Marie Rachel; inducted children: Daughter: Bethany H. Parker; Alexton and Kim Miller, Joel and Shavanna; a host of nieces, nephews and Godchildren; special friends: Alonzo Brown, Mary Carter, Teddy Boston and the late Harry Baskerville, Ill. Service entrusted to Waldon Funeral/Kristy M. Waldon, Licensed Funeral Director/SDA owner, Sanford, Fla. 32771 – (321) 363-1592.
Please make all donations to Mount Olivet SDA Junior Academy, 3013 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311.
