Bennie Crawford Cruikshanks Jr.

Born November 7th 1945 and peacefully went to be with our Lord and savior -January 13th 2025

Famous for his red, white and blue Goatee (he did that in honor of 9-11, keeping it 23 years)

Bennie was born on Conley Hill in Gauley Bridge WV to Bennie and Mae (Wilmoth) Cruikshanks. He had a sister and many friends and cousins and made many great memories. He attended Gauley Bridge High school where he played football and graduated in 1965.

Growing up, Bennie found a love for nature, hunting and fishing. He joined the Marines in 1966 and fought bravely in the Vietnam war as a field artillery specialist in the 2nd battalion infantry. Coming back from Vietnam his love for the outdoors and harvesting game took him all over including Wyoming and deep sea fishing in Florida and Alaska . He loved going to "the camp" at Carnivax Ferry.

In 1972 he married the love of his life Carolyn and they were married 52 years, having two daughters.

Bennie worked at Elkem Metals/Alloy for 35 years as a blacksmith and also a 7-Furnace repair maintenance man.

Bennie had many friends and enjoyed going on cruises, they were Elite members and saw the world from the Caribbean to Hawaii and Alaska.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Mae Cruikshanks, great niece Kirby Betzler and grandson Brian Cameron.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sister Linda Diesh, Niece Charlene Betzler, Great Niece Hilary (Aaron) Betzler , and Niece Sarah (Chris) Cerar, Great Niece Riley Cerar, Great Nephew Parker Cerar, Nephew Adrian (Sheri) Bragg, Great newphew A.J. Bragg, Great Niece Holly Bragg, Wife Carolyn, Daughter Tiffany (Larry) Stover, Daughter Amanda (Jason) Cameron, Grandson Nathaniel Stover, Grandson Aiden Cameron, Granddaughter McKinley Stover, and grandson Mason Cameron.

Bennie donated his body to WVU for research to help other people. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers please consider giving to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or The National Coalition For Veterans.

Special thanks to Roger and Jean Blake , Margie Morrison , Bob, Sue , and Shane Massey, Adrian Bragg, The Clonch and Mcmanaway families, Mark Jarvis, Cameron Smith, and so many others.