The Obituary Samuel B. Whitfield Jr. (Big Ben) was born February 21, 1947, to the late Samuel B. Whitfield Sr. and Newtie Mae Reynolds-Whitfield. He was born and raised in Brooks County, Georgia. He spent the majority of his adult life in Newark, N.J. before moving to Valdosta, Georgia, where he lived for the past 10 years. His elementary and secondary education was received in the Brooks County School system and he graduated from Washington Street High School in 1966. After graduating, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Vietnam War and was a Sergeant. He worked for many years at Eastern Airlines and then Community Coach Bus Company. He was on the football team in High School and a very active member in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved sports and played softball on a couple teams during his time in Newark, N.J. He was preceded in death by his wife Mae Edna Edwards Whitfield and his only sibling Ernest J. Whitfield Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories: two children, Leslie R. Whitfield of Roselle, NJ and Benjamin B. Whitfield (Dora) of Newark, NJ; two grandchildren, Benjamin B. Whitfield Jr. (B.J.) and Dorian C. Whitfield (D.C.) of Newark, N.J.; one niece, Antoinette Whitfield of Pavo, GA; three nephews, Ernest J. Whitfield Jr. of Quitman, GA, Brad Whitfield of Monticello, FL, Marcus Whitfield, of Valdosta, GA; uncles and first cousins that he grew up with who were more like siblings as well as many other relatives and lifelong friends.

A private celebration of life will be Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 2PM. Visit this website or our Facebook page to view a live stream of the Celebration. Continue to keep the Whitfield family in your thoughts and prayers.