Benny Lawayne North was born September 8, 1940 in Swearingen, Texas to Ida Estelle (Daily) and James Benton North. He passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in Elk City, Oklahoma at the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 26 days.

Since his dad was a minister, Ben moved to various places. He completed his schooling in Texola, Oklahoma. He attended barber college in Amarillo, Texas, and worked nights cleaning buildings around the Amarillo area. Ben was married to Margie Alvinita (Snowden) on December 25, 1959 in Erick, Oklahoma, and they moved to Pampa, Texas. After a short period of time, they returned to Erick where he and Alvinita made their home for over 60 years. Throughout the years, Ben taught himself to weld. Being a smart and creative man, he never bought anything new that he didn't cut into to improve in some way. He also made and fabricated trailers and built homes and shops. He enjoyed rejuvenating or starting many churches and handing them off to capable people who would be sure to spread the gospel throughout the area. In his little spare time, he enjoyed fishing and working with leather.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Ida North; his wife of 61 years, Alvinita; 1 son, Timothy North; 2 sisters, Nell Smith and Susie Brashears; and 1 brother, Jim North.

Ben is survived by 4 children, Richard North and wife, Rhonda, Perryton, Tx; Justin North and wife, Mary, Judy Greer and husband, Rickey, and Ronny North, all of Erick, Ok; 14 grandchildren, Lindsay, Eric, Hannah, Ty, Melanie, Julie, Levi, MaLia, Kodie, Austyn, Hayven, Benjimen, Kadan, and Taylor; 15 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Harvey North and wife, Jackie, Oklahoma City, Ok; and a host of other relatives and friends.