Benjamin Leon McCluney, 59, of 2813 Bettis Road, Earl, NC, left his earthly body to be in the presence of God on March 17, 2024.

Ben graduated from Crest Senior High School in 1982. He stayed in contact with a lot of classmates. He worked at TNS Mills in Blacksburg, S.C., Monarch Trucking Company in Charlotte, N.C. as a delivery driver. He also worked at PPG of Shelby, N.C. as a winder until his declining health.

He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Earl, NC where he sang on the Men's Choir. Ben was dedicated to his spiritual journey.

He was known for his sense of humor and unforgettable laugh. Whether you called him Ben or Leon, he was big on family. If you needed him to do anything - a ride to a doctor's appointment, to go pay a bill, grocery shopping or whatever - he was there. Leon loved his girls, and he would be there to make sure they were taken care of. His grandson, Gabriel, "little Leon" as he would say, was a big part of him. He always kept his picture on his phone. Leon truly loved his family.

Ben's departure came as a great shock and left a deep wound greatly felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him. Little did we know that Sunday evening that God was going to call your name? In life we loved you dearly, in death, we will do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone - for part of us went with you that day. God called you home, but you left us with loving memories. Your love will still be our guide.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Banks and stepfather, Howard Isaiah "Ike" McCluney, Sr.

Ben leaves to cherish his memory his daughter's, Ebony and Anissa McCluney, a grandson, Gabriel Leon Tapia; his mother, Mary Jean McCluney; siblings, a sister, Priscilla Coleman and a brother, Howard McCluney, Jr. Others left to cherish his memories are a host of family members, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and many loyal friends, three of which were his closest friends who Ben thought of as his brothers, Dexter Davis, Todd Parker and Gerald Jennings.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at First Baptist Earl. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of services.