Benjamin Allen "Gentle Ben" Brock

Bristol, Va.

Benjamin Allen “Gentle Ben” Brock, 37, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017. Ben was born in Fairmont, W.Va. and grew up in Meadowview, Va. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School and had attended Virginia Highlands Community College. In high school, Ben was a member of the marching band and the golf team, and he was also active in Boy Scouts, earning the honor of Eagle Scout. Ben had worked in construction with Bob Luke, helping remodel homes and creating additions for several families in the area; he cherished Bob as a mentor and friend. Ben developed a strong work ethic that he carried throughout the rest of his life.

Ben was an excellent chef who practiced his skills at several area restaurants, most recently at The Peppermill in Abingdon and then at Whiskey Rebellion in Bristol. It was at The Peppermill that Ben began to understand the gift of having a restaurant family, something that carried over when he joined the family at Whiskey Rebellion. He loved his restaurant families and was known by all for being gentle, kind-hearted, strong, supportive and positive. More than anything, Ben will be remembered for the love he shared and the many lives he touched just by being “Gentle Ben.”

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Brock; his maternal grandparents Nelson Ezekiel Eddy; and Yvonne Morris Eddy; his paternal grandparents Gertrude Edgell Brock and Robert N. Brock; and his uncle Roger Wayne Eddy.

Ben is survived by his soulmate and wife, Janette Brock; mother Sue Dolinger and husband Sam; sister Elizabeth Brock; maternal grandmother June Bonner Eddy; step-sisters Samantha Ratcliff and husband Cory, and Mandy Burden and husband Steven; niece Andrea Arnold and her daughter Angel Matthews; and several step-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the MICU nurses at Wellmont Bristol Regional Hospital, to his restaurant family members from Whiskey Rebellion and The Peppermill, to Vanessa and Joel Jerkins and friends at JJ’s, and to the countless people who have supported and encouraged Ben and his family throughout his illness.

Ben’s family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, and the funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. The burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Rosedale Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adam Mullins, Bryan Ailey, Bob Luke, Ben Williams, Gregory Alder, and Jonathon McGlockin. Honorary pallbearers will be Hershel Brock, Sam Dolinger, Christopher Smith, T.C. Nichols, Adam Blankenship, Timothy Trivett, Adam Breeding, Brad Seamon, B.T. Harris, Adam Glasscock, Charlie “Chuck” Hurt, Logan Hall, Leonardo Martinez, Tommy White, Stuart Colley and everyone else whose lives Ben touched that will be there to lift him up. Those wishing to attend the committal service may meet at the funeral home by 12:30 p.m. for a procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Melanoma Cancer Research of your choice.

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Ben Brock and his family are in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).