Benjamin Taylor McDonald

Benjamin Taylor McDonald, born to the late Warren Sr. and Beatrice Lockely McDonald in Little Plymouth, King and Queen County, Virginia, on September 5, 1941, passed away on March 12, 2024 after 83 glorious years on this earth. In the early 1960’s Ben became a member of the Black Panther Party. He’d later become a Fruit of Islam (the security and disciplinary wing of the Nation of Islam). Ben would later choose a career in Baltimore, Maryland at Henderson Webb, and after 35 years and many awards and certifications, Ben retired as Head Maintenance Technician. Ben also loved his adventurous life: hunting with his beagles, fishing, and horseback riding. Ben also loved movies, watching his favorite sport teams, the New York Knicks and the New York Mets, listening to jazz music, playing his guitar naturally with the hymns he loved or creating his own songs, and he was superb at playing chess, cards, and billiards (pool shooting). Benjamin was the true definition of a legend. A brave revolutionary for Black Power who participated in movements to make a change, voice his opinions, and implement solid warrior abilities for social justice and liberation struggles, surviving through it all! A storyteller like none other, Ben loved to reminisce and share stories about the experiences and fun he had throughout his life with his parents, siblings, family, and friends. The way he would express those experiences kept you on the edge of your seat and made you want to listen to more, but most times he made you laugh out loud! Ben was well respected and everyone who knew him, loved him. He will surely be missed!  Ben leaves to cherish his memory his children: two sons, Tony (Laura) and Terik (Kayla); two daughters, T-Aira and Jessica; Stepson Francis; four grandsons, Tony Jr., Travis, Rylan, and Lord Benjamin; two granddaughters, Janelle and Alex; four great granddaughters, Kamaria, Kaniah, Ava, and Stormy; one great grandson, Nova; The mother of his two daughters, Margaret; and his significant other, Joanne. He is also survived by his beloved beagles, Rocky, Molly, and Roxie; his nine blended children: Frank, Norina, Crystal, Lee, Tiona, Terren, Walter, Malik and Earl. His Oldest surviving Nephews and Nieces: Charles Sr (Angela), Raymond (Brenda), Larry, Dolores, Beatrice and Virginia, and a host of loved great nieces and nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Robin, the mother of his eldest son, Barbara, blended daughter Poochie, his six siblings: Mary, Warren Sr (Mutt), Virginia, Shirley, Nathaniel (Nat) and Floyd. Two Nephews: Ralph Sr (Boo-Boo), Rodney and Neil, Two nieces: Rhoda and Precious, Two Great nephews: Rodnique and Devon, one great niece Shakeerah, and other beloved family and friends.  

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