Benjamin (Ben) Latimer, Jr.

Waynesville, Benjamin Butler Latimer, Jr, 91, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, at the Haywood Lodge and Retirement Center.

The Latimer’s were residents of Lake Junaluska for the past 65 years.  Ben was the son of the late Benjamin Butler and Maude Parker Latimer.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Daniel Hyde Latimer.  He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  During his service, he spent time in Tacoma, WA and Anchorage, AK.  Ben retired after 33 years of service with the Dayco Corporation as a materials manager.  He was a member of the Maggie Valley Country Club for many years where he enjoyed golf; a supporter of Hart Theater and Folkmoot; a Junaluskian; he enjoyed ballroom dancing; and delivered meals on wheels.    Ben was a member of the Clyde Central United Methodist Church.

Ben is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan Reno Latimer; son, Gary Latimer (DeeDee) and daughter Karen Garrison; two sisters, Floy Duckett and Carol Jackson; six grandchildren, Jessica, Rachel, Sarah, Ben, Daniel, and Morgan; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home, with Reverend Chris Westmoreland officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clyde Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 8, Clyde, NC  28721

The care of Mr. Latimer, Jr. has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.