Benjamin Oliver Slaughter, Jr., 81, left suddenly but peacefully in his home on July 16, 2019.  Heaven gained a man that loved Jesus his entire life.

Ben was born in Dunn, NC, and joined the US Navy at the age of 17 after gaining his father's permission. He met the love of his life, Helen, in Sanford, FL, in April of 1957.  Their love, which has lasted a lifetime, began in August of 1957.  They moved to Melbourne in 1979 to attend the Tabernacle Church.  Since 2017, they have enjoyed the many friends at First Baptist of Melbourne.

Anyone who knows them, knows that Ben and Helen were one, and his life cannot be described without her.  They loved to travel and when their children were young they toured across the United States. Through the years and into retirement they traveled to every state and many other countries.  They would travel with family, friends, or just together.  Ben would leave smiles and music wherever they went.

He is survived by the love of his life, Helen, and their three daughters: Chris Utley (Bill), Terri Rossi (Steven), and Renée Hammock (Ted); 9 grandchildren: Danielle Hawthorne (Eric), Mike Wilson (Molly), Tony Rossi (Amy), Ben Utley, Kyle Utley, Jeremy Rossi (Christa), Sam Utley, TJ Hammock, and Tia Hammock; and 8 great grandchildren: Noel & Liam Hawthorne, Matilda Wilson, Jehu, Ava & Oliver Rossi, and Alliya & Desmond Rossi. He is also survived by sibling: brothers Art Slaughter (Susan) & Tommy Slaughter (Linda), and sister Kathy Godwin (Tommy). Without a doubt, every single member of his family knew of his true and unconditional love for them and for God.

His life was defined by his great love of music and sharing God's word his complete adult life.  You could ask him to sing an old hymn and with no hesitation he could sing and play it with great enthusiasm without any sheet music.

His gift of music, love, and laughter is a never-ending legacy that he passed down to his family.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church of Melbourne in the Junior High Chapel on July 21, 2019, at 3:00 pm.