Benjamin Ward Longest Jr.

Longest, Benjamin (Ben) W. Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 14, 2024.  He was born in Salvia, VA, November 6, 1935, to Benjamin W. Longest, Sr., and Josephine Ball Longest, who preceded him in death.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Nancy King Longest, and his daughters Cynthia Bene, Mechanicsville, VA; Caroll Throckmorton (Gary), White Stone, VA; and Olivia Mothershead (Larry), Warsaw, VA and five grandchildren, Ryan Bene, Wilson and Parker Throckmorton, and Emerson and Carter Mothershead.  Also surviving him are his siblings Joanna Rouzie (Jack), Williamsburg, VA, and Eddie Longest (Laura), Mechanicsville, VA; as well as many loving family members and friends.  

A 1954 graduate of Midlothian High School and a 1958 graduate of Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy, Ben was a respected role model to many pharmacists throughout his career.  After his tenure as the Vice President of Drugway Stores, Inc. in Richmond, VA, Ben began his passion for independent pharmacy in 1968 when he purchased his first pharmacy in Tappahannock, VA, which he owned and operated until his retirement.  During this time, he helped other pharmacists purchase and learn how to operate their own pharmacies. He was a member of the Virginia Pharmacists Association since graduating from MCV and acted as president from 1988-89 as well as served on various committees throughout his career.  He received the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia award in 2006, which recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities. He also was president of the Chesapeake Pharmacists Association from 1982-83 and served on the task force that developed the Virginia Pharmacists Aiding Pharmacists Program. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 21 at Faulkner Funeral Home, Marks-Bristow Chapel, 206 N. Church St. Tappahannock, VA. Funeral services to celebrate Ben’s life will be held at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow at Beale Memorial Baptist Church.