Benjamin "Ben" Stovall, Jr.

It is with both heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Benjamin "Ben" Stovall, Jr., who departed this world peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his cherished family. Born on June 3, 1946, in Montgomery, Alabama, Ben graced this earth for nearly 80 years, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom that will be remembered for generations. Ben was the beloved son of Benjamin F. Stovall Sr. and Pearl Z. Stovall, who instilled in him the values and principles he carried throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his dear sisters Patricia and Antoinette, brother Laster, his daughter Bertice, and the mother of his children, Barbara Wright Stovall. Despite these losses, Ben remained a pillar of strength and resilience for his family and friends. As a young man, Ben graduated from East Technical School before embarking on a brief career at J&L Steel. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to purchase and operate "Star Delivery" at just 21 years old. This marked the beginning of a successful career that showcased not only his business acumen but also his remarkable work ethic and determination. Ben's passions extended beyond his professional life. To know Ben was to know his love for life, his family, and the thrill of horse racing. A fixture in the stands at every leg of the Triple Crown for over 50 years, he combined his love for gambling with an impressive knack for numbers, performing complex calculations in his head. His love for sports also saw him at the ringside of historic boxing matches, including those of the legendary Ali-Frazier bouts, and flying across the country to support his brother Alfred's championship basketball games. Ben's family was his pride and joy. He leaves behind his devoted daughters, Beronica Stovall and Bridgette Stovall Wagner, who will continue to honor his legacy. His 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren brought immense joy to his life, and he cherished every moment with them. He is also survived by his siblings Alfred, Andrew, Darryl, Anne, Juliett, and Marrietta, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will miss his stories, wisdom, and unwavering love. Known for his sharp wit and boundless knowledge, Ben was the family historian and storyteller. His memory was a treasure trove of family history, and he was always ready with a pithy saying or a thought-provoking brain teaser. His words of wisdom, such as "The juice is not worth the squeeze" and "Nothing beats a failure but a try," will continue to resonate with those who had the privilege of hearing them. Ben was a trailblazer in preserving family memories, beginning with 8mm film and later transitioning to video recorders and VHS, creating a priceless collection of family events. His stubbornness, paired with a heart of gold, made him a unique and beloved figure in the lives of many. A service to celebrate Ben's remarkable life will be held on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Cleveland, Ohio. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at [link]. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the hospital and the funeral home for their care and support. In remembrance of Ben, we invite you to share your memories and stories, keeping his vibrant spirit alive in our hearts. Though he has departed from our sight, he will forever remain in our hearts.