Bennie Lee Brabham

Bennie Lee Brabham, 88, passed away at home on October 31, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1935 in Gainesville, Florida to Bob and Christine Brabham.  

Bennie graduated from P. K. Young High School in Gainesville and went on to an electrical trade school to become an electrician.  

Bennie worked in his field as an inspector for the city of Charlotte and with several other companies, but spent the majority of his career working at a variety of power plants throughout the southeast and retired from Duke Power Co.  He also retired from the United States Naval Construction Battalion having served in the Naval Reserves for over 20 years.  

As a young man, Bennie enjoyed motorcycle racing (both participating and watching), a hobby which led him to meet his future wife at the Daytona Motor Speedway.  As a devout Christian, his involvement in the church remained the most important aspect of his life. No matter where he lived he became a leader and worker in any church with which he was affiliated.  

One of Bennie’s greatest joys was serving his friends and those in need by using his talents as an electrician and general handyman.  He also formed, led, and participated in wood-splitting ministries at two churches to aid those in need. If you ever met Bennie, the one thing you knew about him was how he loved to tease. His sense of humor was one of a kind. 

Along with Bennie’s parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Reese and John Brabham and sister Betty Jo Hendry. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Vicki Moore Brabham, his daughters Deanice Shifflett (spouse, Jeff Dellinger) and Marcia Brabham (spouse, Steve Weitnauer), six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and his brother George Brabham. Bennie had many others who he loved and adopted as family. 

A service to celebrate Bennie’s life will be held at South Gastonia Church of God, 310 Carolina Avenue Gastonia, NC 28052, on Saturday, November 4.  The family will receive friends at 2:00 PM and a service will be held at 3:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Christian Academy, 310 Carolina Ave, Gastonia, NC 28051; or Gaston Hospice by calling (704) 834-4034.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bennie Lee Brabham, please visit our floral store.