UTICA — Ben Comfort of Utica, but a longtime resident of Jackson, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at age 87 after a short illness.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nora and William; his brothers, Marion, Lonnie, Tom, Jim, William “WA”, Floyd and Richard “Dick”; and his sisters, Maude Ezell and Bessie Peterson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Audrey Little Comfort; sons, Daniel and Steven; a sister, Daisy Rogers of New Port Richey, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was owner and operator of Bet-R-Way Cleaners in Jackson for 40 years, 1 month and 8 days. Ben lived his life in service to God and family. A devoted Christian, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, training union director, assistant scout master of Troop 14, scout master of Troop 34, member of board of directors for the Jackson Area Boys Club, president of the Dixie Youth Baseball League, president of the Barr Elementary School PTA, strong supporter of the Baptist Children’s Village and president of the Glen Mary Street Association.

Visitation will be Monday at Wright & Ferguson-Raymond chapel from 9 a.m. until service in the chapel at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson. Memorials can be sent to Utica Baptist Church, 220 West Main Street, Utica MS 39175.